Heroics have the Hawke Cup in reach

Manawatu have one hand on the Hawke Cup thanks to Roald Badenhorst's individual heroics at the weekend.

Batting first at Nelson Park in Napier against Hawke's Bay, Manawatu made 298, with Badenhorst hitting 107 from 196 balls.

His 4 1/2-hour stay at the crease put the challengers in a great position to win the trophy for the first time in eight years.

Badenhorst, batting at No6, was well assisted by Adam Milne (42) and the pair put on 101 for the eighth wicket in what was a match-defining partnership.

Manawatu were reeling at four down for 61 before Badenhorst entered and steadied the ship.

Opener Ian Sandbrook made 59 and No8 Jarred Cunningham contributed 23.

The bowlers came to the party yesterday and rolled the holders over for 137, giving them a 161-run lead on the first innings.

Badenhorst starred again and grabbed four wickets for 27 from 13 economical overs.

Only a year ago he had surgery on an injured shoulder and was told he might never bowl again.

He said the team did well to grind out a score of 298 on Saturday.

"It was quite hard conditions since it was a Hawke Cup challenge, it's quite a big game," he said.

"The pitch was pretty good, definitely a 300 wicket but because we lost those early wickets at the start we had to reset our goals.

"We did well to get near 300 to be honest."

The other Manawatu bowlers all took at least one wicket as Manawatu picked up the last four Hawke's Bay wickets for five runs.

Last-minute recruit Cunningham grabbed two for 51 with his off-spinners and got the crucial wicket of Michael Taiaroa, who top scored for Hawke's Bay with 39.

At the close of play last night Manawatu were 110 for three with Sandbrook unbeaten on 30 and Dane Cleaver at the crease with an overall lead of 271 runs.

Dave Meiring was out on the last ball of the day for a well-compiled 59 from No4.

Manawatu only needed a first innings result to win the Hawke Cup and they were looking to bat for as long as they could today to secure the trophy.

"I think it'll do us good if we bat for another two or three hours," Badenhorst said. "If we get to lunch without too many wickets down it'll be game over."

Play was to get under way at 10.30am today.

- © Fairfax NZ News