CALL it early season nerves if you will, but time will tell if Free State’s first innings in their Supersport Series match against Boland will be enough. At close of play on the first day Thursday, the hosts were all out for 284 and Boland had resumed their first knock at 16 without loss after seven overs. On a wicket that got flatter as the day went on, Free State may find themselves 50 or so short of a competitive score. Nevertheless, it was fine comeback after the early loss of openers Gerhardus Liebenberg and Andrew Gait for just one run. That’s when 22-year-old Boeta Dippenaar stepped in to continue the good form he displayed during South Africa’s successful tour to Kenya, and along with mentor Hansie Cronje revived a flagging innings. The two put on a studious 79 for the third wicket before Cronje went for 43 (96m, 62b, 7×4). Dippenaar continued the good work with Kosie Venter (34 off 107 balls, 4×4) before Nicky Boje weighed in with a entertaining 55 off 91 balls (8×4) further down the order. The revival set the hosts on the right track but just as the 300 mark beckoned, wickets began to fall as confidence swelled to carelessness and before Cronje and Co. knew it, they were languishing at 216-8. With the alarms bells ringing and the Bolanders throwing everything at the tailenders, up stepped number 10 Johan van der Wath. A swashbuckling 57 off 61 balls with eight fours and three sixes tells the story and in one over off seamer James Willoughby he carted three sixes and a single to reach his 50. Van der Wath’s innings at least gave Free State hope, but an early breakthrough will be crucial on Friday’s second day. –MWP