COOKLEY'S hopes of taking the Worcestershire League title have been dealt a blow after defeat at Burghill.

The Villagers lost by 64 runs after a man-of-the-match performance from the host's Barney Morgan who registered 56 with the bat and 4-15 with the ball.

Cookley's best came from Jack McVey (3-32) and Jaimen Rudd (39).

Cookley remain second in WCL Division One but are 45 points adrift of leaders Redditch with five games to go as they prepare to entertain Colwall on Saturday.

The club's second XI fared better against their Burghill counterparts.

Cookley batted first and posted 279-6, star batsmen were Ben Southall (62), Jon Stanaway (59) and Matt McCaan (72).

McaCaan did his bit with the ball as well by taking 4-28, he was backed up by Charlie Pestridge (3-37) as they dismissed Burghill for 180.

The seconds are also second in their division with a 23 point cushion over Chaddesley.