Scott Meuleman emulated his father and grandfather in making a first-class century as South Africa's bowlers struggled in the cricket tour match against Western Australia at the WACA ground here today.

Meuleman, 21, scored his maiden first-class century in his fifth first-class appearance for WA.

At stumps, WA was 3-303 in reply to South Africa's 367, with Murray Goodwin on 41 and Marcus North on 49.

It was a hard day for the touring bowlers, especially Allan Donald, who was trying to build up some form and rhythm ahead of the first Test against Australia next week.

Donald, with a new ball this morning and again in the evening, had a greenish pitch to bowl on but couldn't trouble any of the WA batsmen.

In a frustrating display, the man known as White Lightning struggled with his line and didn't muster any real pace.

The veteran paceman, who has 325 Test wickets but has been off the international scene since March, finished the day with 0-85 off 21 overs.

Makhaya Ntini, whose Test spot is in jeopardy, responded by taking 2-36 in a strong display.

The day belonged to Meuleman, who was making his fifth appearance for WA but with the weight of expectation on his shoulders given the deeds of his father and grandfather.

Meuleman's father Bob made 14 appearances for WA, making a highest score of 101 not out while his grandfather Ken played 117 state games for both Victoria and WA, as well as one Test.

Ken Meuleman, who once batted with Don Bradman - though not in a Test - finished his first-class career with 7855 runs at an average of 47.60 and a top score of 234 not out.

The latest in the Meuleman cricketing clan made his debut for WA last year but before today had made only 152 runs at an average of 19 with a high score of 46.

He made 109 and featured in a partnership of 121 with captain Simon Katich (66).

He was out when he edged off-spinner Claude Henderson (1-55) to wicketkeeper Mark Boucher with the score on 202.

He lived a little dangerously this morning, edging more than once through the slips while a top edge off Donald, from an attempted hook, flew all the way over the boundary for six.

His century featured 18 fours and a six.

Ntini, who has taken only four wickets in his past four Tests, had Mike Hussey (21) caught in the slips and then removed Katich, who was caught behind when he chased a ball down the legside.

It was a good display from a man under pressure - especially as he gave up only 36 runs off his 16 overs.

© 2001 AAP