Cricket: Any nets gains?; Hamstrung champs eye ace's fitness.

DEFENDING champions Bangor are counting on their West Indian all-rounder McNeil Morgan recovering from injury to face form team Llandudno in today's Readers Romida North Wales League Premier Division clash at Ty Newydd.

Morgan pulled a hamstring bowling in last week's surprise defeat at Marchwiel-Wrexham but skipper Andy Savage is optimistic about the player's chances.

``McNeil was in the nets on Tuesday and will be OK to bat but his bowling may have to be restricted,'' he said last night.

``I'm not too despondent about that result as circumstances went against us with McNeil's injury and the pitch was wet when we batted, but I'll soon be calling for a big improvement. If we lose any more matches we'll be out of contention because I can't see Hawarden Park slipping up again.''

Savage intends to revise the batting order with Richard Parry, top run-maker in the second XI, coming in to open.

Llandudno, who have climbed rapidly to joint-third place, are looking to complete the double after a 14 runs home win over Bangor earlier in the season. Indian all-rounder Tarique Kahn, leading wicket-taker in the Premier Division with 38 victims, could be the key figure in this intriguing encounter.

Hawarden Park, 28 points clear of secondplaced Bangor, have two good reasons for wanting to topple visitors Mold, having lost to them in the league and the Flintshire Knockout semi-final.

``It's a derby so it adds a bit more spice to the occasion and we don't want them to complete a hat-trick,'' said skipper Mike Scott.

``We've got to keep going out to win every game now and we'll be boosted by the return of opening bowler Jeff Henshaw who has been out for two weeks with a groin injury.''

Mold, lying fifth, will be without wicketkeeper Brian Williams due to holidays so Gareth Evans steps in.

``Brian is the best keeper in North Wales but we think that Gareth is the next best,'' said captain Cliff Wiseman.

Mold will be hoping that Aussie Drew is on song again after his superb 58 not out against Halkyn on his comeback.

``Danny did not even have a practice session prior to the game and it was quite a stunning innings,'' said Wiseman.

``We know we can beatHawarden and to do so again would open up the league for the chasing pack.''

Brymbo, level on points with Llandudno, aim to cash in on St Asaph's recent slump of three consecutive defeats when they meet at Tan-y-Fron. Brymbo boast the top run-maker in the Premier Division in Nigel Roberts and opener Dafydd Rhys is also in excellent form after an unbeaten 103 last week.

St Asaph welcome back allrounder Dave North after attending a wedding last week.

``Brymbo are still a force to be reckoned with and on their small ground you can get some high-scoring games so hopefully we can compete with them,'' said captain Gareth Ryan.

``I was pleased with the overall performance against Hawarden Park.''

Halkyn, back in trouble after the five wickets defeat at Mold, will have vice-captain Gareth Thomas in charge for the home match with Mochdre. He takes over from skipper Gareth Jacobs who is unavailable for a month.

Batsman Andy Massey comes into contention as Halkyn hope to recapture the form which brought them two wins in a row.

``It's vital that we beat Mochdre and claw back the points after getting within touching distance of the safety zone,'' said Thomas.

Marchwiel-Wrexham go to Pontblyddyn while Connah's Quay, 33 points adrift at the bottom, desperately need a victory over neighbours Northop.