Cricket: Further blow for Grafton batsman

By GRAHAM REDDAWAY

Grafton top-order batsman, Richard Pudney must be wondering when his run of bad luck will end after suffering a serious cut to his nose in an Auckland club match against Cornwall.

The young rep batsman has played only a few games since recovering from a broken hand - an injury received at a practice session.

With fast-medium left-hander Richard Morgan bowling, Pudney was hit by a rearing delivery that sneaked past the protective grille of his helmet.

He was taken to hospital for precautionary x-rays and was advised to take no further part in the match.

Without the skills of Pudney, Grafton were dismissed for a paltry 67.

Following on 187 behind, they at made Cornwall bat again, although only for the three winning runs.

Parnell piled more woes on East Coast Bays with a 10-wicket win that now sees the North Harbour side entrenched at the bottom of the ladder.

Simon Dykes, whose first-day seven for 23 destroyed Bays' first innings, ended with match figures of 10 for 72.

Howick Pakuranga were set a target of 147 within a short time by Birkenhead, and got there with five wickets in hand from 19 hectic overs, Sanjeeva Silva smashing 57.

North Shore, after conceding a first innings lead of 69 to Suburbs New Lynn, were set a winning target of 202 from a minimum of 38 overs. They got there with plenty of spare.

Craig McGuigan (81no) and Gene Andrews (54) put on 111 in 91 balls, with Andrews' 50 coming from just 31 balls.

In first-grade matches, Auckland University took first innings points from championship leaders, Papatoetoe, Takapuna headed Cornwall on the first innings, Eden Roskill led Howick Pakuranga and Waitakere City set Ellerslie 236 to win from 35 overs.