Match Report | Hawke Trophy Final

Hawke Trophy Final

Dove Holes v Newton @ Pott Shrigley

Dove travelled to Pott Shrigley on the hunt for the first cup win in 25 years. Skipper Rob won the toss and inserted visitors Newton, who Dove have not played this season due to them playing in a higher league.

The Newton openers got off to a good start and it took two moments of magic to make the breakthrough. First a flying Ben Bagshaw grabbed a catch mid air before Adam Critchlow swooped low to take a spectacular one handed catch.

Newton rebuilt well but tight bowling from Ben Bagshaw 8 overs 0-30 and Reece Johnson 8 overs 2-21 kept the score down and meant the batting side were under pressure when slow bowler Kev Waterhouse came into the attack. As the batters tried to accelerate the scoring Kev picked up 4 wickets before opener Dan Waterhouse mopped up the tail finishing his impressive spell bowling 8 overs, 3 maidens 3 wickets for just 11 runs, 7 of those coming from one ball!! Newton had however managed to post a competitive 164 thanks to C Grime 48 & Skipper J Mercer 42.

In reply, Dove set about the run chase in a sensible manner and openers Mark Turner, who top scored (with 37), and Reece Johnson (15) pushed Dove to 50 without loss. A couple of quick wickets meant Dove had to rebuild and bat out the impressive slow bowling from M Hyde 0-12 and J Mercer 2-19. As the pacemen returned Dove hit the accelerator and impressively kept up with the run rate. Skipper Hawkes hit 29 including a huge six into Shrigley Hall. He was joined by Ben Bagshaw who both ran extremely well between the wickets, putting pressure on the bowling side who would go on to give 28 extras. Ben Bagshaw hit several classy boundaries in his 28 and the experienced Scow hit 18 as Dove edged closer. Both fell late on but Dove were almost there as Jones & Johnson got Dove over the line for the loss of 6 wickets and a few overs spare.

Ben Bagshaw deservedly got man of the match, his great catch got Dove going, his spell of 8 overs for 30 runs tightened the first innings and his classy 28 got Dove to the target!

Commiserations to Newton who were tough opponents in an entertaining final and good luck for the rest of the season.

Thanks to Pott Shrigley for being excellent hosts and for making a tremendous effort both on and off the pitch to make the day a success.

Finally, well done to skipper Rob Hawkes and The Second Team squad who have been brilliant all season and celebrated hard late into the night, one down one to go!