COOKLEY are gearing up for their biggest game in 37 years when they tackle Weekley and Warkton in the fifth round of the Village Knockout Cup on Sunday.

Not since the Wyre Forest club reached the final 1977 has been such excitement around Lea Lane.

The club are welcoming the surviving members of the team who won the cup 27 years ago.

They face a side who play in the Northamptonshire League Division One who have also battled through their regional stage to make the first of the national rounds.

Chairman Phil Dixon said: "They are a top Northamptonshire club who have made it to the quarter finals before, so it will be a tough challenge but at Cookley we always try to punch above our weight.

"We're so proud to see the run the lads have had we shall all the be there Sunday.

"Hopefully as in our time the whole Village turns out to support the team."

Cookley have gone on an impressive run to get this far, beating Chaddesley Corbett, Rushwick, Bredon and most impressively Worcestershire League champions Astwood Bank to win through the county rounds.

They go into the game (1.30pm start) on the back of a winning draw in against Coombs Wood in Division Two on Saturday.

On a superb batting wicket, Cookley won the toss and posted a credible 264 for the loss of just three wickets with Paul Thomas (102no) supported by Adam Nicholls (92).

However Coombs Wood were well placed at 183-5 with 12 overs to spare when the heavens opened giving Cookley the majority of the draw points.

Cookley go to Enville in the league on Saturday (1pm start).

The seconds lost to Colwall by four wickets.

Put in by the league leaders, a total of 197 was never going to be enough despite the best efforts of Chris Parkes (52) and Mike Wood (43).

Ian Roberts bowled an impressive spell 4-64 but Colwall won comfortably in the end.

Meanwhile, the thirds were well beaten after Harborne’s openers shared a 172 opening stand.

Martino Williams top scored with 29 in the reply supported by a fine 21 not out by Bailey England.