Northamptonshire 2XI fought back well on Day 2 with bat and ball as they set up an intriguing final two days at Dunstable CC.
Gus Miller was back in the runs with 60 as the 2XI finished the day 316/9, after Surrey were bowled out for 331 having been 280/4.
The 2XI started Day 2 very brightly, taking the remaining six wickets in 19 overs and for just 36 runs.
Greer impressed with four wickets, Louw and Haddow two, as well as Patel and Leech taking one apiece.
With the 2XI needing a strong start in reply to Surrey, Gus Miller and Van der Merwe opened up for the side. The pair had eight overs to negotiate before lunch and they did it by scoring a nearly seven an over.
The 2XI were 55/0 at lunch, with Miller on 30 from 27 and Van der Merwe 20 from 23.
In the afternoon session, both batters continued to score at the same rate and the hundred partnership came up in just 109 deliveries.
In the 21st over, Miller was dismissed as one went down the leg side and he was stumped by Blake. Aadi Sharma was in at three but he fell in the 23rd over, caught at long off.
At tea, the 2XI were 178/2 with Van der Merwe on 79 and Halstead-Clarke on 13. Majid turned the innings on its head after the break and restricted the 2XI, finishing the day with eight wickets.
Van der Merwe top scored with 95, as well as helpful runs from Leech (36), with the 2XI ending the day 316/9.