Cricket: Demoted Morgan fights his way back

Fast-medium bowler Richard Morgan lost his place in the Auckland Shell cricket side mid-season when his form fell away.

But rather than dwell on the vagaries of the game, he has taken opportunities with the second XI and at club level that must have him back in the frame with two Shell Cup rounds remaining and a semifinal spot on the cards.

Playing for Cornwall in Auckland's premier club competition on Saturday, Morgan unleashed his batting talents and smashed the talented North Shore attack for 78, including six sixes and eight fours. His first 50 came from 29 balls.

The Cornwall innings, which ended when skipper Charles Ewart declared at 256-9, also featured an innings of 95 by Aaron Barnes, and that, too, would have pleased the Auckland selection panel.

Barnes, who has been an integral part of the Auckland team with his all-round skills, injured his right shoulder a fortnight ago and needed to prove his fitness to regain his place in the side.

North Shore had 77-2 on the board when play ended.

Takapuna have been facing the chop from the premier division, and needed a good performance against East Coast Bays to drag themselves from the bottom of the ladder. They scored 194 and dismissed Bays for 64 - good enough for the follow-on to be enforced next weekend.

The midweek transfer of Cam Fawkner from Suburbs New Lynn to Parnell had a sequel when the young medium-pacer took 4-30 and bowled out his old club side, captained by his brother Chris, for 91. Parnell then scored 212-6 and were well in control.

Richard Irving's seventh club century enabled Grafton to score 273 against Howick Pakuranga, who were 71-2 at the close.

Grant McPherson took 4-25 and his 300th wicket for Birkenhead (257-7) against University Akarana (112).

Waitakere City (175-3) led Papatoetoe (163) and Ellerslie (247) were well placed against Eden Roskill (20-3).