Dolphins slump to sixth straight loss going down to Hawkes despite two sterling centuries

EASTS Dolphins have slumped to their sixth straight loss, despite twin centuries from Sam Robson and Steffan Piolet.

Peter Nevill

EASTS Dolphins have slumped to their sixth straight loss, despite twin centuries from Sam Robson and Steffan Piolet.

In the two-day match reduced by rain on the opening day, Easts declared at 4-248 but Hawkesbury chased the target with three wickets to spare.

With only 120 overs to get a result, Easts batted first but were in early trouble after the loss of Matthew Yiend (6) and captain Adam Ezekiel (4).

But Robson and Piolet put on a 197-run stand that swung the match Easts' way.

Piolet, first to notch his ton, was dismissed for 110 including four sixes.

Robson remained unbeaten on 117 when Easts declared after 59 overs, knowing that they would need to dismiss the Hawks to gain first innings points.

The Hawks made a strong start, progressing to 2-128, but a double breakthrough from opening paceman Nathan Rowe (3-50) sparked a collapse.

The steady fall of wickets saw the Hawks at 7-188 and Easts looked set to claim victory.

But a rearguard action from Hawks captain Shane Mott saw the visitors reel in the target with two overs to spare in the day.

"We're very disappointed with how things are going and embarrassed," captain Adam Ezekiel said.

"But there have been about seven or eight games this season, like this one, where we have been in a winning position and just haven't closed it out. It's very frustrating."