YOUNG twenty-somethings James Bryant and Justin Kemp both bettered their own first class bests as Eastern Province took control of their Supersport Series match against Easterns at St Georges Park on Friday. At the close, the hosts had reached 344 for six — an overall lead of 60 — with Kemp still unbeaten at the wicket on 107 (203 balls, 11×4, 3×6). Together with Bryant’s 125 (249 balls, 20×4), the two had consolidated a dodgy middle order batting display to firmly put the pressure on Easterns over the remaining two days. Easterns didn’t do their cause much good either, giving away 48 extra, including 26 no-balls. The biggest culprits were medium pacer West Indian Phil Simmons who ended with 11 and, amazingly, left arm spinner Ant Botha who contributed 10. But it wasn’t all EP’s day on Friday. After Mornantau Hayward had wrapped up the Easterns tail 11 overs into the morning — taking his Supersport Series best of six for 63 — EP stuttered at 50 for two before Bryant, and then Kemp, came to the rescue. Starting cautiously, the 23-year-old Bryant and 22-year-old Kemp, both former Natal schools players, wisely consolidated as Easterns got their tails up. But as the two progressed Bryant did show periods of aggression and outscored Kemp. It was only when the possibility of a century began to loom that he gave in to caution and was duly rewarded to better the 104 not out he scored for EP B last season against North West. Bryant was eventually out when he fell foul of a slower Frikkie Erasmus delivery and looped up a catch to short cover. As for Kemp he will resume on Saturday knowing he has already improved his previous best first class score of 81, which he notched up against Gauteng last season. — MWP