MIDWEST Rhinos fought back strongly on the first day of their Logan Cup match with Manicaland Mountaineers in Mutare yesterday. Rhinos had managed to restrict the hosts to 145-5 at stumps after being bowled out for 136 earlier.

Manicaland off-spinner Timmy Maruma was again the toast for the hosts, bowling magnificently to claim 6-40. Maruma's biggest scalp was the in-form Rhinos captain Vusi Sibanda, who he bowled for four.

Only Rhinos opener Innocent Chikunya, with a steady 54, resisted the onslaught. He was out when emerging leg-spinner Natsayi Mushangwe trapped him leg before.

Opening bowler Shingi Masakadza and Mushangwe took two wickets apiece.

In reply, Mountaineers were lifted from a worrisome 90-5 by first-class debutant Jethro Maudzi (20 not out) and Donald Tiripano (29 not out) to be 145-5 at the end of Day 1.

Opener Johnson Marumisa top-scored with 60 before he was snapped by wicketkeeper Chikunya from offspinner Remembrance Nyathi's bowling.

In Masvingo, captain Terry Duffin struck a solid century (144) as visitors Matabeleland Tuskers closed on 322-3 against Southern Rocks. Dion Ebrahim scored 89 while Keith Dabengwa was unbeaten on 44.