Cricket: Adams ready again for big time

Despite a long-standing shoulder problem, Andre Adams is confident he can regain his spot in the Auckland Aces cricket team for the Shell Cup and Trophy.

The injury stalled Adams' promising career, but he has made the Aces squad for the opening three rounds of the Shell Super Max League, starting on October 31.

Adams, who bowls fast-medium, said he was close to full pace this season.

Adams began his club career with Takapuna, but now plays for leading side Grafton.

In the latest round of one-dayers, those two sides met, with Grafton easily taking the honours.

Adams scored 29 with the bat, including a trademark huge hit for six, and bowled tightly without much reward. Grafton skipper Craig Pryor, also in the Aces squad, looked in solid form with a double of 35 and four for 12.

Grafton are unbeaten along with Suburbs New Lynn, who brushed off the Kumeu challenge, and Howick Pakuranga A, who beat Birkenhead without trouble.

Kumeu scored just 59, and Suburbs hit 60 without loss off just seven overs.

Ellerslie veteran Martin Pringle made a fast 75 to give his side victory over Eden Roskill in the remaining game in the blue section.

In the white section, Cornwall and North Shore are the unbeaten sides, Cornwall accounting for Papatoetoe and North Shore beating East Coast Bays.

There were two centuries in women's first-grade matches, Neesha Pratt scoring 147 not out for Cornwall and New Zealand wicketkeeper Rebecca Rolls 110 for Papatoetoe.

Medium-pacer Donna Prichard took six for four for Cornwall.