COOKLEY hover ominously over the bottom two in Worcestershire League Division Two after a damaging defeat to mid-table Burghill, Tillington and Weobley CC.

In an inconsistent season, Cookley came up with another woeful performance.

Batting on an excellent wicket in bright sunshine they somehow managed to collapse to 102 all out, with Burghill winning with ease by seven wicket.

Only Aditya Rai with 32 and 3-30 emerged with any credit.

Matters got worse with nine second Xl players unavailable for the trip to Herefordshire (Burghill), the knock-on effect was a third team concession and a five-point penalty for Cookley firsts.

Cookley firsts are at Hagley on Saturday (1pm start).

A weakened second team were all out for just 135 against Burghill.

Jasper Smith top scored with 35 and with Burghill on 105-1 they were cruising until skipper Simon Anderson produced his best display with a brilliant 7-14 and two stunning catches to seal an unlikely victory.

In one of the club’s biggest days in their history, Cookley face a star-studded Lashings side at Lea Lane tomorrow.

Former England captain John Emburey and spinner Monty Panesar as well as West Indies’ Tino Best are among the players set to feature.

The action starts at 4pm.