According to a press release by New Zealand Cricket, Hawke Cup holder Nelson made the perfect start to the Zone 4 challenge from North Otago at their home ground Saxton Oval. The three day match started with North Otago Penguins captain Lachlan Kingan electing to bat after winning the toss but strike bowler Josh Newport of the Nelson Griffins got a diamond duck after taking the wicket of opening batsman Jeremiah Shields and proceeded with taking the wicket of Otago skipper Kingan on the third delivery, making the score 2/0. Llew Johnson survived 18 deliveries before being caught off Ronan Restieaux’s third over, making the scoreline 13/3 at 5.3 overs. Otago Volts allrounder Nathan Smith and his brother Jeremy have joined the ranks of the playing XI, while veteran Greg Hay and debutant Josh Smith are in the lineup for new Nelson captain Ollie Jones-Allan. 2020/21 HAWKE CUP SCHEDULE 12-14 Feb: Zone 4 Challenge Nelson v North Otago
26-28 Feb: Zone 2 Challenge (winner of above v winner of Zone 2 Furlong Cup)
12-14 Mar: Zone 1 Challenge (winner of above v winner of Zone 1)