Questions marks loomed over the weather as the second Hawke Cup challenge match of the 2021/22 summer got underway at a humid Nelson Park, with threat of a wet weekend.
Holder Hawke's Bay was looking for their third consecutive defence against Zone 1 challenger and great Hawke Cup rival Bay of Plenty - two strong sides with impressive recent tenures.
With the arrival of ex-tropical cyclone Dovi, however, only the first two sessions of the opening day would be possible and the match was washed out - Hawke's Bay retaining the coveted silverware.
TOSS: Bay of Plenty who elected to bat
DAY 1 stumps: Bay of Plenty 155/5 (53 overs)
DAY 2 stumps: Bay of Plenty 155/5 (53 overs)
DAY 3 stumps: Bay of Plenty 155/5 (53 overs)
DAY THREE
No play possible, match called off in the morning. The next challenge will be at Napier's Nelson Park against Zone 3 qualifier Canterbury Country in a fortnight's time.
DAY TWO
With heavy rain overnight and two to three inches of water on the outfield, no play was possible on the Saturday.
DAY ONE
CHALLENGE MATCHES 2021/22
28-30 January 2022 | Hawke Cup Zone 2 Challenge : Hawkes Bay defended the Hawke Cup v Manawatu at Nelson Park, Napier)
11-13 February 2022 | Hawke Cup Holder Hawke's Bay v Zone 1 Challenger, Bay of Plenty at Nelson Park, Napier
25-27 February 2022 | Hawke Cup Holder v Zone 3 Challenger, Canterbury Country (venue at home ground of winner of 11-13 February Challenge)
11-13 March 2022 | Hawke Cup Holder v Zone 4 Challenger (venue, teams tbc)