Four-year wait over for women

Manawatu’s women’s cricketers have won the Central Districts title for the first time in four years, despite only playing two games.

Manawatu’s one-day game against Hawke’s Bay at Manawaroa Park on Sunday was rained off, meaning they finish as the top qualifier in CD and win the Mike Shrimpton Trophy for the first time since the 2012-13 season.

Manawatu has won the trophy five times since 2008, having also won in 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12 and 2012-13.

This season they have beaten Wairarapa and Taranaki, and had their game against Wanganui rained off as well, but the two wins were enough to give them top spot.

If Hawke’s Bay had won the game on Sunday, then it would have opened the door for Taranaki to win.

Hawke’s Bay were out of the reckoning, having lost to Wanganui and were upset by Wairarapa.

Yesterday, Hawke’s Bay batted first for 14.1 overs, scoring 72-2 with Central Hinds player Kelly Rangi unbeaten on 56, before rain stopped play and they called things off.

Manawatu are hopeful of having more games next season.