Cricket: Artificial pitch for Hawke Cup challenge

Peter Cameron.
Peter Cameron.
The Hawke Cup is going artificial.

Buller, which won the trophy off Canterbury Country last weekend, will make its first defence in Westport next weekend against North Otago.

It is the first time Buller has won the cup but there was a question mark over whether it would get to host a challenge, as it did not have any grass pitches.

But it appears no rules are in place dictating the match be played on grass, so the contest will take place on Buller High School's all-weather pitch, on February 12-14.

North Otago Cricket's chief executive Peter Cameron was satisfied with the decision.

"Obviously, Buller doesn't have any grass pitches. We were of the understanding that there was a rule that said a challenge must be played on grass,'' he said.

"Buller, understandably, wishes to play at home and, realistically, if we were in the same situation, we'd be pushing to play at home, as well.''

Buller is the smallest minor association in New Zealand and will face a challenge from North Otago, the second-smallest minor association in the country.

New Zealand Cricket is obviously happy with the decision, and Cameron simply wants to get on with preparing for the game.

"They made the decision that the challenge should be played at the Buller High School ground, the main venue in the Buller district, and we accept that.

"Obviously, from the Buller perspective, it's massive for them. They've already had a mayoral welcome among other celebrations over the past couple of days.''

North Otago won the Hawke Cup in 2010 and has come through the zone four qualifying rounds unbeaten.

Cameron said the side just had to get on with the challenge and forget about any distractions.

"We've got to do the best we can. Unfortunately, the Buller Marathon is on the same weekend and accommodation is at a premium. Consequently, the team will be split around five different motels but, after all, it is a challenge. We've just got to get on with it and attempt to bring the cup home.''

- Terry O'Neill 

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