A spirited Easterns bowling attack swung the Supersport Series Super Eight match against Free State firmly the way of the hosts on the second day.

Easterns climbed to an overall lead of 209 runs after bowling out Free State for a disappointing 195. The home side finished the day on 180 for four in their second innings. At stumps, Derek Crookes was unbeaten on 40 and nightwatchman Andre Nel was on 10, with the duo having added an unbroken 39 runs for the fifth wicket.

But it was a finish contrary to what took place earlier in the day. Free State resumed with overnight batsmen, Gerhardus Liebenberg and Wiaan Smit, on 64 for two. They added a further 71 runs in what was looking like becoming a comprehensive first innings lead. But the intervention of slow left-armer Ant Botha proved to be the crucial catalyst needed to swing the match back in Easterns' favour.

Botha bowled Smit for 49 and then dismissed Kosie Venter for a duck and Morne van Wyk for eight, earning him figures of three for three in four overs. Then it was the turn of Gareth Flusk to take care of Liebenberg for 54 runs, and the Eagles had suddenly plummeted to 149 for six, losing four wickets for 14 runs.

Albie Morkel completed the devastation when he wrapped up the Free State tail with four for 36, leaving the visitors were limping along 29 runs adrift as they were bowled out for 195.

Easterns began their second innings in traditional fashion, losing the first two wickets for just 16 runs. But opener Dylan Jennings and fellow left-hander Mike Rindel brought some stability with a partnership of 106 off only 165 balls. Jennings made 37 and Rindel compiled his second half-century of the match, a 78 off just 86 balls, including 11 fours and a six.

© CricInfo Ltd.