Cricket: Task too tough for Papatotoe

The difficulty of toppling Grafton in Auckland premier club cricket was faced by promoted side Papatoetoe on Saturday.

The enormity of the task was especially apparent when one of New Zealand's most exciting players, Andre Adams, chose the one-dayer to make his comeback from a debilitating back injury received in a test against England in April.

Grafton can call on internationals Matt Horne, Lou Vincent and Adams, along with first-class players such as Craig Pryor, Richard King, Tane Topia and Sean Gear, as well as English county player Grant Thorpe.

Vincent did not play on Saturday, but he was not needed as first Horne, with 44, and Auckland second XI opener Nick Jury, with 46, had a rapid-fire partnership of 74.

When King was run out cheaply, the scene was set for Adams to join his skipper, Pryor.

The cricket from that point was sensational.

Adams reached his century first, needing just 60 balls, the second 50 coming in 26 balls. Pryor was sedate by comparison, taking 74 balls for his hundred.

Their partnership produced 202 for the fourth wicket, enabling Grafton to close at 370 for six, and inevitably Papatoetoe fell well short with 210 from 35 overs, Thorpe taking six for 34.

Adams said he had not needed corrective surgery, just rest, although he admitted he was a a bit sore after his innings.

He has received expert attention in his rehabilitation, including advice from nutritionist Nicky Hart, which has produced a substantial weight loss with body fat replaced by muscle developed in a gymnasium.

"I have been bored to tears doing practically nothing," Adams said. "But I had to obey the experts and I am really chuffed about being back."

With three rounds completed, Suburbs New Lynn remain in the lead after a close encounter with Parnell, who have former Auckland player Hamish Barton back in action.

North Shore won a keen contest against East Coast Bays and Cornwall always had the measure of a strong Howick Pakuranga XI.

In the first division, Waitakere City and Auckland University are still unbeaten, while Cornwall and Grafton also recorded wins.