COOKLEY chairman Phil Dixon hailed the club’s first team after they clinched promotion to Worcestershire Division One.

A 65-run win over Enville means The Villagers will be playing at their highest ever league level next year.

Victory at Worcester Dominies this weekend would also seal the Worcestershire Division Two title.

Dixon said: “I’ve always said that if our teams are fun to watch and hard to beat, then I’ll be happy – and we’re certainly that.

“We’re not a club who set out any ambitions but the team has done very well and it’s been an all-round effort.

“Jamien Rudd and Jon Stanaway have taken the limelight but Iain Roberts, who is 62 years old, has done brilliantly ever since we persuaded him to return to the firsts from the second team.

“Playing in Division One will be a new experience and quite a challenge but it's one we are looking forward too.”

Promotion was secured thanks to a hard-fought victory with just two balls to spare.

The Villagers were asked to bat on a damp wicket and at times struggled in their 217-7, with skipper Paul Thomas hitting 61 not out and Al Roden 46.

Enville, in reply, were always behind the run rate but a draw seemed certain until a brilliant catch by Stanaway to dismiss Enville skipper Greg Tomkins (51) turned the game. Roberts (4-42) took the final wicket in the last over to gain maximum points.

Meanwhile, the seconds suffered a narrow loss to Burghill and Tillington.

After been asked to bat, Cookley were all out for 226, despite veteran Stuey Nicholls hitting 50 not out.

Burghill won by just two wickets despite the efforts of Charlie Barton, 15, with 3-50.