/ 15 October 1999

DRAW LOOKS EMINENT FOR EP

WHAT few spectators there were at St Georges Park on Friday, will probably prefer a day at home on Saturday. On a day when the bat had it all too easy against the ball, Eastern Province and Griqualand West will either need a minor miracle or a sporting gesture from either captain to eke out a result from their Supersport Series clash. After the second day, the hosts finished on 171 for one in reply to Griqua’s 351 all out. Opener Carl Bradfield was unbeaten on 56 (191 balls, 6×4) and James Bryant on 44 (90 balls, 5×4, 2×6). The only wicket to fall was that of Mark Benfield who went for a well struck 60 off 87 balls (9×4). The only bowler to show any return was 22-year-Nantie Hayward, a man who made a dramatic debut on the national scene 18 months ago, but has since battled to regain his form. His match figures of six for 90 was a welcome boost for a player who has started the season with more control but with still the disconcerting pace that made him such a formidable force against the West Indies A side two seasons back.