Central Districts Cricket Association

Since 1910, this historic trophy has been the most treasured prize in New Zealand provincial cricket.

Each summer after New Year, four Challenge matches take place across New Zealand. The seasonal winners of Zone 1 (upper North Island), Zone 2 (lower North Island), Zone 3 (upper South Island) and Zone 4 (lower South Island) each earn a tilt against the current holder of the Hawke Cup, in a sequential programme.

Our CD District Associations Nelson and Marlborough compete in Zone 3 regional qualifying, and our six North Island Districts vie for the Furlong Cup - the winner gets the Zone 2 challenge, unless they are already the holder, in which case the second placed team is the Zone 2 Challenger.

Challenges are 3-day matches. The Hawke Cup can be won outright, or on the first innings in a draw, at the holder's home ground.

HAWKE CUP CHALLENGES

HAWKE'S BAY has been CD's most successful Hawke Cup District in recent years, and locked away the prized trophy for the 2021, 2022 and 2024 winters

The team had lost its grip on the trophy in late 2022 when a pandemic-rescheduled match against challenger Canterbury Country was finally played in November that year

Hawke's Bay earned a second crack in the same summer - against the same holder, but that match was also postponed, due to Cyclone Gabrielle's impact on the Hawke's Bay cricket community

However when that match was finally played in November 2023, a stunning six-wicket bag from spinner JAYDEN LENNOX helped to return the treasured silverware to Hawke's Bay at last, Hawke's Bay winning handsomely on the first innings

CHALLENGE MATCHES 2023/24

The 'normal' Hawke Cup Challenge season began 26 January 2024 when Hawke's Bay hosted 2024 Furlong Cup qualifier Manawatū, who had earned the right to be the first Challenger of the new tenure at Nelson Park, Napier, after finishing runner-up to Hawke's Bay in the Zone 2 Furlong Cup

Hawke's Bay defended the Cup against Manawatū and, a fortnight later, Zone 1 Challenger Counties Manukau, then came Canterbury Country who had won the right to challenge on behalf of Zone 3 again this summer

Hawke's Bay saw them off, then locked up the trophy for the winter at Nelson Park after an outright against Zone 4 Challenger South Canterbury in the final contest of the Hawke Cup summer

•

Entry to Hawke Cup Challenge matches is free, with the three-day matches always beginning on a Friday

24-26 February 2023 rescheduled to 10-12 NOVEMBER 2023

Hawke Cup Holder Canterbury Country drew with Zone 2 Challenger Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay uplifted the Hawke Cup on the first innings

Match report

26-28 January 2024

Hawke Cup Holder Hawke's Bay drew with Zone 2 Challenger Manawatū

Hawke's Bay defended the Hawke Cup on the first innings

Match report

9-11 February 2024

Hawke Cup Holder Hawke's Bay drew with Zone 1 Challenger Counties Manukau