Sven Koenig smashed 155 as Gauteng enjoyed themselves on another Kimberley belter at the start of this Supersport Series Shield match, declaring shortly before the close on 350 for seven after winning the toss and surprising no one by having a bat against Griqualand West.

Koenig's innings included 24 boundaries, and when he was dismissed the declaration soon followed. There is not a great deal to play for in this competition designed to keep players interested after missing out on the Super Eights, but at least Koenig, Nic Pothas (83) and Zander de Bruyn (66) used the opportunity to boost their first-class averages.

In fact, the quality of Koenig's innings should not be overlooked, particularly as he and Pothas rescued Gauteng from an extremely shaky start, as they were reduced to 33 for three.

It may still be hard to get a result here though, as Griqualand West had reached 50 without loss by the close, only emphasising again that bowlers are going to have to work extremely hard for their wickets.

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