Hamilton and Hawke's Bay stake early claim

Hamilton and Hawke's Bay took the early initiative to appeal as the likely finalists in the Hawke Cup semi-finals after the first day of the games yesterday.

Hamilton were 301/5 Canterbury Country, after being 63/3 at one stage. But an unbroken partnership of 185 with Jaden Hatwell 112 not out and Adil Somani 71 not out carried the home team to a position of advantage on the first day.

In Napier, Hawke's Bay dismissed Bay of Plenty for 149, courtesy of Ben Absolom's 3/46 and Taraia Robin's 2/39.

Hawke's Bay were 78/2 in reply with Jack Lusk leading the chase for first innings points with 40 not out.