JAIMEN Rudd’s superb century boosted Cookley’s hopes of avoiding relegation in Worcestershire County League Division One with a win over lowly Belbroughton.

The 20 points earned ensured they opened a 13-point gap over the bottom two.

Another magnificent ton from Rudd (100) and a welcome return to form for Jon Stanaway (47) were the backbone of the home side’s 243 all out from 50 overs.

However, 243 on a good batting wicket in perfect summer weather was by no means enough.

Cookley’s Australian bowler Jack McVey thad a fine game with 3-49 and a useful 31 with the bat as Belbroughton fell 33 runs short.

“I suspect this season’s relegation places will probably only be determined on the final Saturday,” said club president Richard Matthews.

Cookley are at home to Burghill, Tillington and Weobley on Saturday (1pm start).

Elsewhere, the seconds went down by six wickets to Bromyard in Division Two Second XI.

It was another disappointing batting performance,with only Mitch Taylor (60) taking on a fine Bromyard attack.

Taylor is having one of his best ever seasons, scoring 651 runs so far and averaging over 70, but Bromyard won easily and lost just four wickets in chasing down the total.

Cookley slipped to joint eighth but can ease their relegation worries when they go to Burghill, who are the side level with them, on Saturday.

In Division Seven, the thirds suffered a 10-wicket loss to Stone.

Despite fielding their weakest side of the season, Cookley chose to bat and had veteran Gary Field (75) and chairman Phil Dixon (102) to thank for ensuring a reasonable total of 245.

However, Stone captain Pate Harler (120 not out) and Neil Taylor (112no) made easy work of the inexperienced attack to achieve a comfortable win by 10 wickets and go top of the league.