EP to put pedal to the metal against Border

WITH three victories under their belts at the halfway mark, Eastern Province will look to lift their intensity when they play Border in East London in the CSA Provincial three-day cricket competition, starting today.

In their last match, Colin Ackermann’s men shrugged off a meagre first innings total of 88 to defeat Namibia and coach Chris Esau will be looking for more of that fighting spirit this weekend.

The Namibian success lifted EP to third place on the log and while that is a handy position, they are still 14 points behind the top two, Western Province and North West.

Victory this weekend, therefore, is essential to help them close the gap, although they are sure to be tested by their neighbouring rivals.

The Border side have a similar record to EP, with three wins in seven matches, and are just two points behind Ackermann’s team.

Perhaps giving EP an edge is that they possess a strong batting lineup, with David White, Michael Price and Ackermann having all excelled in their recent appearances for the Warriors. Just three weeks ago, Price struck a career-best 181 against the Titans in a Sunfoil Series clash and Ackermann made 110 in the same encounter.

That should have them in the right frame of mind for today’s game, but they will still need to do the hard work to repeat that success. Even at a slightly lower level, there can be no room for complacency.

Another boost is the inclusion of seamer Basheer Walters. He will add a new dimension to the attack headed by Sisanda Magala and Warren Bell.

The EP squad is: Michael Price, David White, Colin Ackermann, James Price, Kelly Smuts, Lee-Roy Walters, Athi Dyili, Warren Bell, Sisanda Magala, Lionel Vaaltyn, Basheer Walters, Siviwe Gidana, Akhona Kula