The first challenge for the prestigious Hawke Cup will start tomorrow in Te Puke where Bay of Plenty will defend their trophy against Counties Manukau.   Counties Manukau won the right to challenge for the Hawke Cup after finishing top in the Northern Districts elimination series conducted over the 2017 calendar year.

Tomorrow will see a rematch of last season's Hawke Cup Challenge whereby BOP kept Counties Manukau in the field for over two days after amassing a record score of 701.   Bay of Plenty has successfully fended off 4 challenges since winning the Hawke Cup from Hawkes Bay in March 2016.   

Bay of Plenty

Peter Drysdale ©, Tom MacRury, Joe Carter, Bharat Popli, Sean Davey, Jono Boult VC, Ben Musgrave, Tim Clarke, Tim Pringle, Tommy Clout, Chris Atkinson, Alastair Blackett

Counties Manukau

Luke Williamson ©, Karaka, Tristan Payle, Manukau, Ash Vodnala, Puke - Metro, Michael Schofield, Karaka, Amitoze Singh, Papakura (overseas player), Scott Johnston, Manukau, Ryan Phizackerley, Papakura, James Naylor, Waiuku, JJ Mills, Manukau, Reid Somani, Puke - Metro, Sam Varcoe, Karaka, Ben Reece, Puke-Metro

Bay of Plenty vs Counties Manukau, Hawke Cup Challenge, 27-29 January 2018, 10:30am, Te Puke Domain, Te Puke.