The equation is simple for Bay of Plenty - post a big win over Counties Manukau if they wish to secure the 2015 ND Hawke Cup Direct Challenge.

After victory over Northland on the opening day of the annual ND one-day tournament in Taupo, the Bay side was convincingly beaten by Hamilton on day two.

Bay of Plenty bowler Tony Goodin in action earlier this season. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Batting first, Hamilton were bowled out for 224 by the Bay bowling attack, with Tony Goodin celebrating his 50th game by taking four wickets for 27 runs.

But the Bay batsmen simply didn't establish any substantial long term partnerships and were removed for 150, to hand Hamilton an easy 74-run victory.

Game one on Sunday saw a match-up with Northland, who were sitting just a couple points adrift of Bay of Plenty, in the race to the calendar-year long qualifier for the ND Hawke Cup Direct Challenge berth.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, the team from the far north set the Bay side a huge challenge reaching 278 for four wickets, with Donovan Deeble the best of the Bay bowlers returning 2/52.

Unfazed by the large target, the Bay were up with the run rate from the start, with the top order of Joe Carter (55), Bharat Popli (46) and captain Peter Drysdale (20) keeping the run rate going with wickets in hand. Carter blazed away with his 55 runs coming from just 56 balls.

At the 35-over mark, the Bay side were right in the match having reached 173 for the loss of three wickets.

The middle order continued the momentum with Mitch McCann delivering a half century and Jason Trembath chipping in with a handy 29.

But it was master blaster Brett Hampton who took the encounter away from Northland.

An unbeaten 56 off just 30 balls was a key contribution, with a massive six when his side needed one run to clinch victory sending a statement to the other Fergus Hickey Rosebowl contenders.

Brian Dunning One-Day Tournament Result:

Hamilton 224 (P Bocock 68, Tony Goodin 4/27) defeated Bay of Plenty 150.

Day One Result – December 7:

Northland 278/4 (Donovan Deeble 2/52) lost to Bay of Plenty 284/5 (Brett Hampton 56no, J Carter 55, Mitch McCann 55, Bharat Popli 46, Jason Trembath 29, Peter Drysdale 20).