Aviwe Mgijima struck his 19th first-class half-century for Boland to deny Western Province at Newlands. Picture: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Boland foiled neighbours’ Western Province’s bid to push for an outright victory at Newlands on Sunday.
Province had posted a massive 592/8 in their first innings before dismissing Boland for 318. But with Province’s bowlers toiling for 109 overs, the home team opted not to enforce the follow-on and added a quick-fire 106/2 in just 19 overs to set Boland 380 victory on the final day.
Justin Ontong’s side lost Pieter Malan (8) and Gavin Kaplan (26) early in the reply to Mihlali Mpongwana and Jody Lawrence respectively to provide Province with hope that they could possibly force a result.
However, their chances were dimmed when Grant Roelofsen (92) and Aviwe Mgijima combined for a solid 126-run third wicket partnership.
Roelofsen controlled the Boland innings and seemed well set for his 11th first-class century, but fell eight runs short of the milestone when he was caught by Wesley Bedja off left-arm spinner George Linde.
Mgijima, who spent many years of his career at Newlands previously, enjoyed being back at his former stomping grounds by continuing Boland’s defiance after Roeloefsen’s dismissal.
The veteran right-hander moved comfortably to his 19th half-century by tucking Lawrence off his hip to bring up the milestone.
Boland captain Clyde Reeves-Fortuin, who struck a century in Boland’s first innings, only face five balls before he and his WP counterpart Kyle Verreynne shook hands with the visitors comfortably placed on 197/3.
Province gained 15.34 bonus points from the Western Cape derby, while Boland added 10.96 points to their tally.
Meanwhile, the Lions and Dolphins contest petered out to a tame draw at the Wanderers.
With the majority of the match washed out, there was only an opportunity for two first innings.
The Dolphins were dismissed for 357 with Tshepang Dithole top-scoring with 157. Seamer Codi Yusuf was the pick of the Lions’ bowlers with figures of 4/54, while Lutho Sipamla also claimed 3/61.
The Lions responded with 250/2 when stumps was eventually called. Opener Joshua Richards batted beautifully for an undefeated 115 not out.