COOKLEY'S excellent start to the season in Worcestershire Division Two continued with victory against Lye.

Skipper Paul Thomas asked the home side to bat and then took 4-32 to dismiss them for 193.

There were wobbles with the Villagers at 10-2 but Jaimen Rudd 60 and Kiwi Kheinan Morrissey’s 72 not out ensured another fine win.

Cookley remain top of the League and play third-placed Bredon next week.

After last year's heroics in reaching the last 32 of the National Village Cup, Cookley, who won the competition in 1977, fell at the first hurdle but only just.

Bretforton smashed 241 from their 40 overs and with Cookley’s first three all out cheaply a heavy defeat appeared certain but skipper Paul Thomas 100 not out supported by Worcestershire over-50s star Gary Mills (45) and Al Ray (32) took the game into the last over falling short by just three runs Cookley 238-6 at the close.

After a miserable start to the season the Seconds finally tasted victory as they saw off Lye by 16 runs.

Mitch Taylor with a fine cultured 79 helped post a competitive total and with wickets being shared they just overcame a sporting Lye side by 16 runs.

Cookley remain tenth in the division.

The thirds went down by seven wickets at the hands of Coombs Wood.

Following his prolific form, Cookley were shocked by the early loss of veteran John Martin.

Callum Parker top scoring with 35 but the total was never enough as Coombs Wood won with ease.