I have some good memories of this ground Mahela Jayawardene

Mahela Jayawardene hopes to propel Sri Lanka into a winning position in the first Test against South Africa.

Although Jayawardene clubbed an unbeaten 116 on the opening day in Galle, South Africa had the hosts in some trouble on 279-7 at stumps.

He said: "I hope to carry on tomorrow to try to take my team to a position from where we can go for a win.

"It was important for me to stay at the wicket and I did that and waited for the loose deliveries."

Jayawardene, who scored 167 in Sri Lanka's only Test win against South Africa at the same venue four years ago, notched his 12th century in 62 Tests.

"I have some good memories of this ground," said Jayawardene, who has now scored over 1,000 runs in Galle.

Paceman Shaun Pollock was the key figure for South Africa, removing both openers early on and returning figures of 4-24.

"It's always good to pick up wickets in the sub-continent but we have some hard work ahead of us in this match," said former skipper Pollock.

"We have to get them out as early as possible and try to get a big total in the first innings.

"That is the only way we can try and dominate this Test."

Jayawardene felt there was still some batting to come for the home side.