Bay of Plenty had a long day in the field, on the first day of the Hawke Cup Direct Challenge against current titleholders Hamilton on Friday.

The home side won the toss and elected to bat, on what looked to be a good batting strip at Galloway Park in Hamilton.

Hamilton made a solid start and reached 54 without loss before Dale Swan took a catch of the bowling of Ben Williams to take the first Bay wicket.

Hamilton then knuckled down when Mitchell Santner came to the crease with the team 103/1 at lunch, with Santner leading the way with 58 runs.

The breakthrough came in the first few overs after lunch when Brent Hampton grabbed the wickets of Santner for 60 followed by the Hamilton skipper for 17, to turn the momentum in the Bays favour for the first time.

When danger man Anton Devcich was caught by Hampton from the bowling of Mitch McCann, the home side were 173/5.

However, two middle order partnerships turned the momentum Hamilton's way, before the Bay bowlers struck back to remove the Hawke Cup holders for 255.

Brett Hampton did the damage at the top of Hamilton batting attack taking 3/53, while Tony Goodin removed the tail to finish as the Bays top wicket taker returning 4/74.

When stumps were removed on day one, the Bay had reached 24 without loss, with openers Peter Drysdale and Joe Carter posting 10 runs apiece.

Hawke Cup – Day One

Hamilton 255 (MJ Santner 60, JG Hatwell 48, AM Dodd 46, OG Ivins 29, AP Devcich 27; TG Goodin 4/74, BR Hampton 3/53)

Bay of Plenty 24/0