The 116-run ninth wicket partnership between Lerato Kgoatle (123) and Rowan Richards (51 not out) saw the visitors add 105 runs to their overnight score to conclude their first innings on 499 all out.
It was a revolting day at the office for the WP batsmen. Not only did Northerns took control of the game with the bat, they also did so with the ball. Debutant Derek Mitchell was the first to fall for WP in the sixth over for 10 to fast bowler, Eldred Hawken and was followed by Pieter Malan (11) six overs later. WP struggled to recover after that and at one stage were 63 for 5.
Aviwe Mgijima did well with the bat scoring 58 runs and was assisted George Linde and Sybrand Engelbrecht who chipped in with 39 and 24 respectively.
Hawken finished with 3 for twenty to restrict WP to 184 for nine at close of play. They trail by 315 runs with one wicket remaining in the first innings.