COOKLEY took a huge step towards winning the Worcestershire and District League Division Two as they saw off Wyre Forest rivals Stourport by four wickets in a closely-fought game on Saturday.

Victory for the villagers means they have an 18-point lead over second-placed Bredon with two games of the season left.

Stourport were asked to bat first and made 214-8 thanks to a brilliant 95 from South African Kevin Renecke.

Iain Roberts with 4-58 and Matt McCann (3-55) were in good form for Cookley.

In reply, Cookey’s in-form batting duo Jaimen Rudd and Jon Stanaway were both out cheaply but Al Roden (46), skipper Paul Thomas (59) and Cookley veteran Ad Nicholls (45no) secured a four-wicket victory with 217-6.

Club president John Wall said: “It was a great result for the club to go clear at the top and beat a fine Stourport side thanks to what was an all-round superb team effort.” Cookley then had their match against Malvern abandoned due to wet weather on Monday.

They end the season with away trips to Enville this weekend and Worcester Dominies on September 12 (both 12.30pm start).

Stourport, who trail the leaders by 20 points, saw their game against Coombs Wood on Monday rained off.

They end the season at home to Lye on Saturday and at Bredon on September 12.

Meanwhile, Cookley’s seconds lost to Droitwich by six wickets.

After been put in, the seconds crumbled to 154 all out, Ben Quinlan top scoring with 57. Jimmy Madeley made a fine 44 but the total was nowhere near enough Droitwich winning easily. and the seconds remain seventh.

Cookley’s second remain seventh.

In the last match of Cookley thirds’ season, Belbroughton won the toss and posted a competitive 215.

But Cookley reached their target for the loss of six wickets as skipper Phil Dixon struck 45 and John Martin recorded another fine innings of 60 not out. The thirds finished a credible sixth in the league.