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

NEXT CHALLENGE MATCH

Holder Taranaki v Zone 1 challenger Hamilton

14-16 February 2025

Pukekura Park, New Plymouth

Recent History...

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

The team 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

When Hawke's Bay earned a second crack in the same summer - against the same holder, 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 who won handsomely on the first innings

The latest tenure ended in dramatic fashion, however, after a first innings declaration at lunch on the first day backfired when Taranaki scrapped for a first innings lead, relieving Hawke's Bay of the silverware over three hard fought days

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

HAWKE CUP

Challenge Matches 2024/25

Zone 2 Challenge Match

31 January-2 February 2025

Holder Hawke's Bay lost on the first innings to Zone 2 Furlong Cup champion Taranaki

At Nelson Park, Napier

MATCH REPORT

Zone 1 Challenge Match

14-16 February 2025

Holder Taranaki v Zone 1 Qualifier Hamilton

At Pukekura Park, New Plymouth

Zone 3 Challenge Match

28 February-2 March 2025

Holder v Zone 3 Qualifier (either Canterbury Country or Nelson, pending the Zone 3 Final)

At Holder's Home Ground

Zone 4 Challenge Match

14-16 March 2025

Holder v Zone 4 Qualifier

At Holder's Home Ground

PREVIOUS SEASON - 2023/24 CHALLENGES

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 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 too, and locked up the trophy at Nelson Park after an outright against Zone 4 Challenger South Canterbury in the final contest of the Hawke Cup summer

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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

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