Jason Rowles and Muhammad Bulbulia both came close to hitting centuries as SA U19 responded well on day two of the first Youth Test against England at the Coetzenburg Oval in Stellenbosch.

After dismissing the tourists for 299 early in the morning session, the hosts then replied with 269-8, to trail by 30 runs.

Left-hander Rowles top-scored with a fine 90 off 118 balls (12 fours), while right-handed opener Bulbulia struck a more patient 88 off 163 balls (10 fours).

The pair provided the backbone for the Junior Proteas, who did lose late wickets – they were on 230-3 at one stage – to squander what would have been an even stronger position at stumps.

They will nonetheless be satisfied with their effort, which began with the bowlers wrapping up the English tail quickly at the start.

The visitors started play on 275-8 but lost both Tazeem Ali (six) and Alex French (three) within the first 10 overs as Raeeq Daniels claimed double success to finish with 4-49. Day one star Nqobani Mokoena was the pick of the bowlers with his 5-61.

The South Africans then lost Jorich van Schalkwyk early in the reply, trapped lbw by French (1-28) for 15.

However, Bulbulia knuckled down and was assured at the other end as he first added 43 with Adnaan Lagadien (18), who fell to Farhan Ahmed (3-74), for the second wicket.

Next came the main stand of the innings, a wonderful partnership of 139 for the third wicket between the two half centurions.

The partnership was finally broken in the 58th over when pick of the bowlers Ali (3-62) cleaned up Bulbulia, with captain Bennie Hansen falling to the same bowler for 15.

England skipper Archie Vaughan (1-50) accounted for Rowles and two late strikes by Ahmed hurt the South Africans further, leaving Mokoena on 10* and Daniels on nought with the responsibility of taking their side to the close.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images