Winning the toss on the flat wicket was a good start, but the day would bring constant struggle for the Hawks' batsmen.

Debutant 17-year-old Josh Hillyer opened the innings and set about imposing himself on the contest. Hillyer looked the part and batted for more than an hour in a display that will further warm the hearts of Hawks' officialdom.

Dale Tormey was the key wicket and, for the first time this season, he lost a little control at the crease. He cruised to 19, a total that included four boundaries, before flaying at a wide one, only to be dropped at third slip. The very next ball the Magpies claimed his wicket caught at slip.

Rohan Wight and Matthew Brooks failed, leaving the Hawks at a precarious 5-67 with 17-year-old Josh Henry and fellow youngster Cam Doherty at the crease. Henry played the innings of his career so far, carving out a patient and accomplished 66 from 174 balls. Doherty was also patient in his 28.

The tail wagged but the Hawks would have been disappointed to make 177 on the flat deck. Their inability to confidently play spin bowling was again exposed as being an almost fatal flaw in their game. Camberwell's two spinners, Roberts and McNamara, hardly world-beaters by reputation, rolled down 34 overs, taking 3-35 between them.

Camberwell finished the day at 0-7 and was favourite for the six points. Day two was scheduled to commence yesterday, amid inclement weather concerns.

The seconds were 0-19 chasing Camberwell's 5(dec)-343, while the thirds also had a dismal day, making only 149, with the Magpies 0-34 in reply. The fourths were 4-51, chasing 93 (Blair 6-20).