One of the most storied teams in the history of the Hawke Cup has lifted New Zealand cricket's most cherished provincial prize for the first time in 22 years.

Thirty-four-year-old Nelson captain Greg Hay -- who is also the Central Stags Plunket Shield captain, and will be back in his first-class whites when the national first-class competition resumes this Thursday -- was successful at the third attempt in his lengthy career in bringing the Hawke Cup home to Nelson.

A maiden century to young opening batsman Thomas Zohrab (122) had set up a first-innings total of 297 for Nelson, with Hay (72) having partnered him for a marathon second-wicket stand.

The successful challenge capped a winning trifecta for Central Districts teams on a special afternoon for the association; the Central Stags T20 squad going on to win the Burger King Super Smash against the Knights in Hamilton three hours later, and the Central Hinds beating defending champions Auckland Hearts in Auckland in their race for qualification for the 2019 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Final.

Nelson succeeded by bowling out Southland for 261 in Invercargill on the final afternoon of a weather-affected, three-day grind for a tension-packed first-innings win -- a lead of 36 runs enough to relieve Southland of the trophy in the drawn match.

Scores

Said Nelson coach Ryan Edwards, “This is very cool, and it is a special group of lads who have played with real pride. They deserve everything they have achieved through working hard and sticking together.”

Southland (Zone 4) had held the Cup since ending the reign of previous holders Counties-Manukau (Zone 1) in the final challenge of the 2017/18 season. Nelson (Zone 3) will now meet Zone 2 regional champions Hawke's Bay in their first defence, in a fortnight's time, on 1 March 2019, in Nelson.

Hawke's Bay has earned the right to challenge for the Hawke Cup in spectacular fashion, bowling out Manawatū for just 41 at Fitzherbert Park in Palmerston North on Saturday, with pace bowlers Liam Dudding (7/16) & Ben Stoyanoff (3/17) ripping out all 10 wickets.

Central Stags Plunket Shield batsman Brad Schmulian then scored an unbeaten 154 in Hawke's Bay's reply of 325 for nine en route to his side securing CDCA's Furlong Cup, which determines the Zone 2 challenger each season.

Scores

Nelson last held the Hawke Cup in 1997.

The Nelson Pine Griffins will arrive at Nelson Airport today, Monday 18 February, at 12.20pm with media and public invited to welcome home the Cup.

Nelson Hawke Cup history - media backgrounder here

Article added: Monday 18 February 2019