/ 10 October 1999

BOLAND CLOSE IN ON FREE STATE

IF his name was Clandestine Walshaw, you’d be forgiven for assuming that Free State seamer Victor Mpitsang has a little West Indian in him. But this Kimberley-born 19-year-old Grey College product is a true blue South African despite his relaxed, but deceivingly fast, “West Indian” rhythm. Mpitsang ended the second day of Free State’s Supersport match against Boland as his team’s most successful bowler. On a dull but productive day for the visitors, Boland reached 265 for five after resuming on 17 without loss overnight. That leaves them just 19 runs short of Free State’s first innings of 284 and with the chance of taking control from here on in. Mpitsang was the only opposition finishing with three for 45 in 16 overs. But he will need another early strike if he hopes to stop the Bolanders getting close to the 450 run mark. With Kenny Jackson and Steve Palframan still at the crease, it’s a target well within range. At the close, Jackson was unbeaten on 56 off 113 balls (9×4) while Palframan was on 10. Their task on Saturday will be to pick up where they left off — playing steady, patient cricket. That’s the way opener James Henderson (60) and Louis Koen (74)did it as they put on 112 for the second wicket to start a long day in the sun for the hosts. Their’s was the biggest partnership of the day and with Justin Ontong adding a useful 20 and Douglas Gain 16, there was enough to keep the scoreboard ticking over once the two had departed in the same manner — caught behind.