Easterns can thank their lower order batsmen for a great recovery against Nashua WP at Newlands on Saturday.

After losing eight wickets for 124 Easterns managed to post a respectable 236 in their first innings at Newlands. Granted conditions favoured the bowlers, especially in the morning session, a lack of application against a disciplined WP attack accounted for a top order collapse. However, Easterns redeemed themselves thanks mainly to fine 87 not out from Albie Morkel. Morkel and Reddy put on 98 for the ninth wicket to rescue Easterns from certain defeat.

The WP bowling honours were shared between Alan Dawson(2), Charl Willoughby(3) and Roger Telemachus(2). The initial breakthrough came from Willoughby who in an inspired bowling spell from the Wynberg end claimed 3 wickets in the pre-lunch session. Overhead conditions certainly favoured the bowlers and Willoughby and Dawson took full advantage of the conditions. Spinner Paul Adams also bowled well although the conditions did not favour him.

Province did not start any better losing Rashaad Magiet(O) and Graeme Smith(14) before reaching 20. However, Andrew Puttick(40 not out) and HD Ackerman(31) added 65 for the third wicket to stabilise the innings. At the close Puttick and new WP signing Jonathan Trott(14 not out) were at the crease. A lot will depend on the former SA U19 players to provide a platform for a big first innings total on Sunday.

WP gained four bowling bonus points.

© CricInfo