In their first match at first-class level, against Wellington at the Basin Reserve in February 1884, Hawke's Bay were dismissed for just 32 in their second innings thanks to Joseph Firth's remarkable return of 8 for 13 from 13 four-ball overs.

[7] Hawke's Bay played 53 first-class matches, for 11 wins, 35 losses and seven draws.

[12] In the 1920s Hawke's Bay played several overseas teams in non-first-class matches, including Australia, the MCC, New South Wales, Queensland and the Melbourne Cricket Club, all at Nelson Park.

[14] In 1950–51 the Central Districts cricket team began competing at first-class level in the Plunket Shield.

Tom Reaney from Hawke's Bay was in Central Districts' inaugural Plunket Shield team in December 1950.

[16] The eight associations compete against each other annually for the Chapple Cup and the Mike Shrimpton Trophy.