COOKLEY made a winning start to the season when they routed Droitwich by nine wickets in Division One.

The first team were playing in the highest division in the club’s 147-year history and began with what was expected to be a very tough fixture against the side who had finished third last summer.

Skipper Paul Thomas won the toss and chose to field. Danny Soley then produced one of his finest displays in a superb opening spell of 5-19, ably supported by Jack McVey who has joined the club from Tamworth, with 5-22.

There were also three catches for new wicket-keeper Jat Dhadwal as Droitwich were skittled for just 43.

Despite losing Al Roden, Jaimen Rudd (22 not out) and Jon Stanaway (18no) knocked off the required runs in just 6.4 overs and the game was over by 3pm after a 1pm start.

The seconds were also too strong for Droitwich as they recorded a one-wicket success.

Spa batted first and scored a credible 210-7 from 50 overs, with Dan Southam the pick of the bowlers with 3-28.

In reply Mike Wood (78) led the way but with light fading Cookley began to wobble.

A golden duck for skipper Simon Anderson turned the game in favour of the opposition only for Ryan Parker (9no) to smash a four of the penultimate ball and then somehow scramble a single to win the game off the last ball.