The team which edged Wairarapa out on countback in zone two of the Hawke Cup cricket elimination series, Hawke's Bay, has gone on to lift the trophy from holders Hamilton.
Hawke's Bay won the three-day match by a resounding 124 runs and two former Rathkeale College and Wairarapa senior representatives, Doug
Bracewell and Andy Dodd, contributed strongly to their success.
Bracewell was the dominant figure in Hawke's Bay's first innings of 210. Batting in the middle order he scored 91 in 157 minutes from 141 balls while Dodd, who came in at first drop, made a valuable 20.
Hamilton's first innings closed at just 145 with Bracewell taking 1-15 from his 10 overs and when the Bay batted a second time it was an unbeaten 102 by James De Terte which provided the highlight of their 278. Dodd again batted soundly for his 18 while Bracewell was out for four. Left 344 for victory Hamilton were never a chance and were all out in their second innings for 220, Bracewell taking 1-51 on that occasion.
