Counties Manukau Claim Hawke Cup By Two Runs

Posted: Tuesday, 30 January 2018

The first Hawke Cup Direct Challenge of the season, between current holders Bay of Plenty and Counties Manukau, had more twists and turns than a country road before the visitors sneaked home to a two run victory.

Counties Manukau won the toss and elected to bat against current holders Bay of Plenty, on the first day (27/29 January 2018) of the Hawke Cup Direct Challenge, played at the Te Puke Domain.
Counties Manukau, played the long game of not worrying about the run rate, as they were finally removed for 235 in the 122nd over early on day two. Testament to the visitors attitude to not throw their wickets away, was opening batsman Sam Varcoe top score of 54 off 248 balls. Chris Atkinson, who has returned to the Bay side from injury, was the best of the home teams bowlers taking three wickets for 33 runs with Tim Pringle also grabbing a three wicket bag. The loss of the Bay of Plenty opening pair for one run apiece, immediately put the hosts on the back foot. Batting at three and four, Joe Carter and Ben Musgrave steadied the first innings reply and put on an 80 run partnership, before Musgrave was caught by Ash Vodnala for 31.
When Carter fell for 42, the current Hawke Cup holders were in a heap of trouble at five down with just 85 runs on the board. Bay keeper Tim Clarke fought back to keep his side in the contest and put together a handy 43 run partnership with Tommy Clout.

Clark worked hard to post 41 runs off 91 balls, before Bay of Plenty were forced to hand up first innings points to Counties Manukau, when they were bowled out for 166.
Counties Manukau resumed at 31 without loss on day three. Led by Sean Davey who took five wickets at a cost 34 runs, the challengers were bundled out for 142 in the 63rd over. Tauranga Boys College student Tim Pringle returned 2/22 to go with his three wickets in Counties first innings. Bay of Plenty went out to bat after tea on day three, needing 212 off 41 overs at 5.17 runs per over, to grab an outright win and retain the Hawke Cup. The first Bay wicket fell with just seven runs on the board, before Tom MacRury went on the attack to blast a quick-fire 75.

The dismissal of Bharat Popli for 16, brought Joe Carter to the crease with the former New Zealand Under 19 player anchoring the Bay of Plenty fight to retain the Hawke Cup. While the Bay number four played a patient innings, wickets continued to fall at the other end. When Carter became Ben Reece’s six bowling scalp with 45 runs to his name, the home side required 13 runs with their last two batsmen at the wicket. With nine required of the last over of the match, the Bay of Plenty Hawke Cup reign of 687 days, came to an end when Tommy Clout was removed for 10 to give Counties Manukau a 2 run win – and the prestigious New Zealand Cricket minor association prize.

Hawke Cup Direct Challenge @ Te Puke Domain 27-29 January 2018
Counties Manukau 235 (SS Varcoe 54, AR Vodnala 4, LC Williamson 29; CM Atkinson 3/33, TJ Pringle 3/69, SB Davey 2/35) & 142 (SS Varcoe 22; BJ Reece 22; SB Davey 5/34, TJ Pringle 2/22)
Bay of Plenty 166 (JF Carter 42, TJ Clarke 41, BS Musgrave 31; BJ Reece 3/24) & 209 (TJ MacRury 75, JF Carter 45; BJ Reece 6/36)
Result: Counties Manukau won the Hawke Cup by outright victory.
BOPCA Hawke Cup Direct Challenge Milestones
Most Appearances - 13 RPO Drysdale
Youngest Player on Debut TJ Pringle (15 years 169 days

Share this page: