In the rich history of the Hawke Cup there has been no shortage of drama and unlikely heroes who stand up under pressure.
Day one of three between holders Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay at Bay Oval today was another classic day of intriguing cricket.
Bay of Plenty were bowled out for 170 after being 54-7 with Liam Dudding taking the first six wickets to fall. The last three wickets then heroically contributed 113 with Donovan Deeble making 61 and Brenton Thompson 45 on debut.
At stumps Hawke's Bay had limped to 70-6 off 32 overs after some fine pace bowling from the four Bay of Plenty quicks with Brad Schmulian 28 not out with the innings imploding around him.
Hawke's Bay did what all challenging teams like to do and bowled first after winning the toss. Early on there was no sign of the carnage to befall the Bay innings when captain Peter Drysdale and Tom MacRury put on 39 before Drysdale fell for 18.