The "Tussocks" are on their way up to Rangiora to have another crack at prising the 112-year-old Hawke Cup from Canterbury Country's strong grasp.
The coveted interprovincial silverware will be back on the line from Friday this week when Canterbury Country hosts its second Challenge Match of the official 2022/23 programme at Mainpower Oval, against Zone 4 qualifier Otago Country.
Canterbury Country lifted the silverware from Hawke's Bay, and then defended it against Southland in the rescheduled 2021/22 "catch up" Challenge Matches played earlier this summer.
The holders then survived a close call against Nelson in the first challenge of this season's official programme, stumps drawn with Canterbury Country nine down and still behind on the first innings.
Otago Country (above) last challenged for the Hawke Cup in March 2020, and is treading a familiar path to Mainpower Oval: Canterbury Country was the holder the last time they challenged, and retained the cup on the first innings after they responded to Otago Country's 257 all out with 357/5 before the captains shook hands.
Otago Country last held the Hawke Cup in 2010/11, when they lifted the silverware from North Otago before handing it over to Marlborough in the first attempted defence.
Another all-South Island affair begins tomorrow at 10.30am, live-scored at www.nzc.nz and on the NZC app.
Should Canterbury Country retain the cup, they will then play their second Hawke Cup Challenge match of the summer against Hawke's Bay, who have meanwhile gone away and won the right to challenge again this season, after winning Central Districts Cricket's Furlong Cup competition.
HAWKE CUP CHALLENGE MATCHES
27-29 January 2023
Hawke Cup Holder Canterbury Country retained the Hawke Cup against Zone 3 challenger Nelson
Mainpower Oval, Rangiora
10-12 February 2023
Hawke Cup Holder Canterbury Country v Zone 4 Challenger Otago Country
From 10.30am at Mainpower Oval, Rangiora
24-26 February 2023
Hawke Cup Holder v Zone 2 Challenger, 2022/23 Furlong Cup winner Hawke's Bay
Updated: Challenge postponed due to Cyclone Gabrielle
10-12 March 2023
Hawke Cup Holder v Zone 1 Challenger Waikato Valley
From 10.30am at Holder's home ground
