Prince Masvaure, who played for the Eagles for two season and now opens the Rocks’ batting, seems to have been figured out by his former team-mates as he quickly departed for four runs, being trapped leg before wicket by Kyle Jarvis. His was one of five insignificant innings by Rocks’ batsmen. The Eagles are renowned for their bowling attack which, often in the most difficult circumstances, makes it difficult for batters to score –thus their decision to bowl after winning the toss.

Roy Kaia (35) was in fine form and looked solid as he built his innings, but his efforts were undone when Nathan Waller had him removed lbw. The 22-year-old Richmond Mutumbami and his experienced skipper Alester Maregwede (43) were the main contributors to  the Rocks innings. Mutumbami top-scored with 70 runs from 116 balls, his fifth half-century in first-class cricket. His innings featured 13 boundaries, revealing some fine strokeplay, especially for a young player with still only one first-class hundred after playing 27 matches.

Trevor Garwe and Kyle Jarvis proved to be a dangerous pair with the new ball, taking three wickets between them at 2.62 runs an over for 32 overs. The pick of the Eagles bowlers was all-rounder Mark Mbofana with figures of four for 37 in 15 overs. Mutumbami and Mark Vermeulen were among the prized wickets he took.

The Eagles have the easy task of requiring only one more tail-end wicket to collect to end the Rocks’ innings on the second day.