It has been confirmed that Shields has parted company with Cundletown and it was expected that he would transfer to Wingham.

However, Taree West skipper Lee Crozier confirmed that Shields had called him earlier this week inquiring whether he could get a game. This was to be further discussed by the club this week.

Wingham secretary Steve Campbell said he hasn't been asked to draw up any transfer papers for Shields. It would appear that Shields isn't heading to the Upper Manning club.

"We have a pretty strong roster. It might be better if he went to a club that's struggling for numbers,'' Campbell added.

Taree West will meanwhile be bolstered by the return of all-rounder Paul Cox for tomorrow's game against Taree Leagues.

Cox is struggling with an ankle injury sustained in the hockey season. Crozier said he is keen to play against Leagues although he mightn't be able to bowl.

"Just having him there will be good,'' Crozier said.

Top batsmen Nick Walker and James Larkin will be available after completing their HSC.

However, Crozier concedes that both will be lost to the club after Christmas when they head to Sydney and they'll leave a massive hole in what is an already fragile battling lineup.

The club will have Josh Robards available soon while youngster Jeremy Dack showed plenty of character in the second innings against Wingham. Dack opened the batting and was the eighth batsman out.

"He's only a little bloke and he scores pretty slowly,'' Crozier said.

"But he's very technically correct.''