CLEVER bowling tactics by Easterns skipper Deon Jordaan ensured that Gauteng did not race away with the game finishing on 290 for six at stumps on the first day of their four-day SuperSport series match at the Wanderers on Thursday.
The home team won the toss and elected to bat on a good wicket but whenever they threatened to dominate proceedings, Easterns hit back.
Jordaan had some inventive bowling tactics up his sleeve using eight bowlers to disguise their lack of penetration.
Gauteng captain Ken Rutherford was his usual value for money smashing an entertaining 52 off 62 balls before falling to a typically adventurous stroke. He was caught at mid wicket by Pierre de Bruyn trying to take on Marius Mostert.
Two Gauteng players trying desperately to lay claim to higher honours both succeeded with Nic Pothas making 50 off 99 balls and Derek Crookes an attacking 74 off 149 balls.