The North West Dragons fielded on the first day their 3-day provincial campaign and in hot and dry conditions at Senwes Park and managed to bowl Border out for 342 in their first innings.

It was Dragons debutant, Chad Classen, and the experienced captain Brady Barends who impressed with their accurate bowling. Classen picked up 3/54 and Barends 3/70.

The main roadblock for the NW Dragons during the day was Jason Niemand, who scored a majestic 165 off 256 balls. The Border batsman also hit 20 boundaries in a classy innings.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar

NW did well to peg back Border, especially when they got rid of Mncedisi Malika (51) and Mkhululi Calana (51) before they could get more advanced scores.

The last five wickets fell for 57 as NW did a good job of cleaning up the tail. The Dragons batsmen now need to show their grit and skills on day 2 to enact a counter punch of shorts. A crucial first session lies ahead today at Senwes Park.