COOKLEY suffered a serious setback in Worcestershire League Division Two when they lost to relegation-battling Droitwich.

Paul Thomas lost the toss and Cookley were asked to bat and they were soon 10-2.

But another fine century from Jaimen Rudd (116 not out) and a welcome return to form for Jon Stanaway (56) ensured what should have been a competitive total of 241-6.

Former Midlands Club Cricketer of the Year Max Young also enjoyed a return to form, smashing 138 not out to set up an emphatic win.

Cookley slip to eighth and travel to Stourport for a local derby on Saturday (noon start).

The seconds also tasted a damaging loss to Droitwich.

Simon Anderson won the toss and decided to field but a weakened attack struggled against some fine batting from Ashley Walton, who finished on 99 not out to help post 247-4.

In reply the villagers were all out for just 118, with top scorer 16-year-old Bailey England hitting 26 as the seconds slipped to 10th place.

Cookley’s third team had a free weekend.

On a more positive note, Thomas, Rudd and Jack McVey have been chosen to represent the Worcestershire League against a team from Worcestershire Academy.