AFTER the previous weeks defeat and batting horror show, the Cookley bounced back with a fine if close victory over Lye.

Jaimen Rudd, who had top scored for the League Representative side, a few days earlier, was in superb form with a cultured 110 supported in a 207 run partnership by Jon Stanaway with a belligerent 97 in the 259-5 total.

Lye responded well but tight bowling from Danny Soley and 3-43 for veteran Adam Nicholls ensured the outcome was not in doubt.

Leaders Bredon surprisingly lost so Saturdays clash with the Gloucestershire club at Lea Lane could see the Villagers reclaim top spot.

The seconds somehow managed to lose a game against the then bottom side after having Lye at 56-5 due to a mixture of indifferent bowling and poor fielding saw them recover to 231-9 in a rain affected reply the seconds fell 10 short with 210-9 despite Mitch Taylors 65 Lee Shewry 55. 2nds remain in 7th position Cookley thirds made it four wins in a row.

Harborne won the toss and chose to bat but were all out for 157. Russell Whitehouse in a man of the match performance 2-33 and then 65 to ensure another maximum points return.