The home team seized the initiative on the opening day of the UCB Bowl match at the picturesque Burt Oval in Constantia. After winning the toss, Western Province struggled at first but some splendid batting from Derrin Bassage and skipper Jonno McLean left the hosts in a comfortable position at stumps.

Under overcast skies, Andrew Pringle in particular worked up some disconcerting pace. Rashaad Magiet was flummoxed playing back in the 5th over, and Andrew Puttick should have been caught off the next ball. Puttick and Bassage weathered the immediate crisis, but were far from home and dry when Puttick was bowled by first change seamer Ryan Shutte. However, Bassage and McLean turned the innings around with a magnificent 170-run partnership, made almost at even time. Their task was made easier with the pitch flattening out as the cloud cover disappeared.

Bassage reached his century shortly before tea, but the left hander was dismissed immediately afterwards looking for the big shot. McLean went to tea on 99, but showed no nerves as he went to his hundred soon after the break. WP lost some cheap wickets as the compulsory declaration after 100 overs loomed closer, but must have been more than happy to pass 300. They earned 4.18 bonus points for batting to Border's two for bowling.

Left ten overs to bat, the visitors lost Bevan Bennett when he misjudged a Rory Kleinveldt deliver which came back just enough to win the lbw decision. Fellow opener Michael Smith and nightwatchman Siyabulela Nelani saw them through to the close with no further alarms, Border ending the day still 304 behind.

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