SOLID top order batting, ordinary bowling and a flat pitch conspired in Northerns’ favour on the opening day of their Supersport Series match against Easterns in Benoni on Thursday. The most important piece in the puzzle was a second-wicket partnership of 134 between Quentin Still and Neil McKenzie. That aside, it was a useful enough debut for the boys from Benoni. They managed to remove Still and McKenzie 20 runs apart, and stopped both before they were able to do real damage. Still was first to go, trapped in front for a subdued 52 which came off 148 balls and included five fours, while McKenzie’s 79 was more attacking coming as it did off 181 balls with 12 fours. Their stand followed the dismissal of Rudi Steyn in the fourth over, and it made Easterns sweat until the 66th. Gerald Dros’ undefeated 64, an innings of real substance, could be the difference between a big Northerns total and a push for an innings victory – depending on how much longer he is able to stay at the crease. Andre Nel and Albie Morkel posted respectable enough bowling figures, but left-arm spinner Anthony Botha let the side down by sending down an incredible 21 no-balls.–MWP