Poverty Bay dropped fewer catches, almost halved the wides they bowled and more than doubled their runs tally.
The Mavericks batted first and were bowled out for 194 in 45 overs. Poverty Bay made 155 in reply, bowled out in 40 overs.
The lower order of both sides contributed a good chunk of the runs.
On a green wicket offering movement and carry for the seamers, Poverty Bay had their opponents in strife at 76 for five, then 101-7.
No.8 Harry Lowe top-scored for the Mavericks with 46 and No.9 Josh Alderton scrapped for an unbeaten 32 from 64 balls.
Alex Gooding chipped out a couple of early wickets for Poverty Bay and Jimmy Holden, who came on at first change, took three for 43 from his 10 overs.
On a day where batsmen had to be on their mettle, Hawke’s Bay opener Brayden Hill made 41.
Gibbs said the runs contributed by the Hawke’s Bay tail were crucial. The last three partnerships produced 93 runs.
“Hawke’s Bay showed application to stick it out.”
But he felt his side should’ve been able to chase down the target.
Poverty Bay were 63-6 when No.4 Nadeera Nawela departed for 25.
Gooding (35) and Robbie Tallott (27) gave Poverty Bay a chance with a 63-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
The skipper chipped in with 23 not out at No.9 but Poverty Bay ran out of wickets.
Gooding said it was the sort of wicket where batsmen could prosper if they were careful to choose the right ball to have a real go at.
“Robbie batted really well,” he said.
Gibbs said Gooding had a strong all-round game and Poverty Bay were still in the match in the latter stages.
“The guys felt we let a winnable game get away from us,” he said.
“Three or four little things can make the difference.
“We needed to hold one or two more catches and build partnerships when we batted.”
Poverty Bay were again missing some key personnel and they fielded quite a young side. Gibbs was heartened by their progress.
Poverty Bay conceded 31 extras against the Hamilton side, including 27 wides. They had 20 extras against the Mavericks, including 15 wides.
Gibbs said they leaked a few too many runs but it was more like 10 to 15 instead of the 40 or 50 they gave away last week.
Gibbs said selector Ryan Majstrovic had assembled a useful side and they were making steps in the right direction.
Poverty Bay play the Bay of Plenty second 11 in a Basil McBurney Trophy game this Sunday.
Hawke’s Bay Mavericks 194 off 45 overs (Hunter Lowe 46, Brayden Hill 41, Josh Alderton 32; Jimmy Holden 3-43, Alex Gooding 2-30, Andrew Gibbs 2-41) beat Poverty Bay 155 off 40 overs (Gooding 35, Robbie Tallott 27, Nadeera Nawela 25, Andrew Gibbs 23 not out; Brandon Roberts 3-18, Harry Campbell 2-14, Lachlan Gouder 2-21).
