At stumps on the opening day of the final of the 4-Day Domestic Series at the Wanderers, Western Province had a clear advantage.
They capitalized on winning the toss and choosing to bowl in overcast conditions, reducing the Central Gauteng Lions to 35-5.
Joshua Richards (1), Dominic Hendricks (9), Zubayr Hamza (0), Temba Bavuma (0), and Ryan Rickelton (9) all fell in quick succession.
Pieter Mulder (41) and Delano Potgieter (81) stabilized the innings, while lower-order contributions from Codi Yusuf (34) and Malusi Siboto (31*) helped the hosts reach a total of 225.
The final three Lions' wickets added 113 runs.
Dane Paterson was the standout performer with the ball for WP, taking 5-31, while Mihlali Mpongwana also had a strong showing, picking up 4-41.
At the close of play, WP was 49-0, with Edward Moore unbeaten on 35 and Tony de Zorzi on 12.