EP plan to up performance for CSA clash

EASTERN Province will not be fooled by Griqualand West's lowly place on the log when they clash at Union today in their CSA Provincial three-day cricket fixture.

The Kimberley side may be without a victory to their name this season, with three defeats in seven matches, but EP coach Chris Esau said yesterday none of the teams could be taken lightly.

"We can't afford to let [logleaders] Boland get away from us, so we will be pushing hard to stay in touch with them," Esau said. "It is going to get more and more pressurised in the final few games, so we need to keep up with Boland."

Esau acknowledged that Griquas had not had much success this season, but labelled them a dangerous side.

"They have lost some senior players, but they have the sorts of players who can quickly take the game away from you, so we certainly won't be taking things lightly," he said.

Last weekend, EP had the better of a rain-hit fixture against North West. They will be hoping for better weather this time as they strive for their third outright of the season. EP have fallen slightly behind Boland and second-placed Free State after the latter sides registered victories last weekend. EP will need a good performance over the next three days to stay in contention.

Seamer Siviwe Gidana produced a notable effort last weekend with a career-best six-wicket haul and he, along with Warren Bell, Lyall Meyer and Sisanda Magala, will be aiming to keep the pressure on the Griquas batsmen. Kelly Smuts remains on the injured list with a twisted ankle

EP have named an unchanged side from the three-day team which played North West.

Play today starts at 10am and Sunday's Twenty20 game will get under way at 11am.