North West won the toss and amassed 304 for seven on the first day of their four-day Supersport Series match again Eastern Province in Port Elizabeth on Thursday.

This is the first match in the second round of the competition, the Super Eight phase, with both these teams qualifying from the bottom of their respective groups in the first phase.

North West opener Riaan Niewoudt, playing in only his second first-class match, scored a fluid 98, falling agonisingly short of what would have been a maiden first-class century.

His innings ended when he was trapped leg before by off-spinner Shafiek Abrahams having faced only 174 balls which included 16 boundaries in a little under four hours.

He was well supported by Andrew Lawson who added 61 before falling to the same bowler just 14 overs from the close, when he was bowled.

There were minor contributions down the order from Mark Lavine (21) and Morne Strydom (24) that kept the innings progressing in a positive way.

Only the bowling of Abrahams, who claimed four for 31 in 16 overs posed any problems for the batsmen. Former South African fast bowler Mornatau Hayward bowled 14 overs without success, costing him 46 runs, but the no-ball column next to his name read 16.

It is a worrying factor for Hayward who has always battled with a no-ball problem, which seemingly becomes worse.

North West will resume on Friday with Ezra Poole (15) and Alphonso Thomas (6) at the crease.

© MWP