WET weather failed to prevent Cookley from staging a memorable evening when a star-studded Lashings CC visited the club.

They included former England spinners Monty Panesar and John Emburey in their line-up in addition to one-time West Indies star Tino Best.

Despite the rain, Lashings managed to bat and made 134-4 from 15 overs.

Cookley responded and had reached 36-2 when the heavens opened and monsoon weather brought an abrupt halt.

A crowd in the region of 500 attended, which would have likely been considerably larger had the sun appeared like it should in August.

Cookley followed up with an excellent 32-run success over Hagley last Saturday in Division One of the Worcester County League.

Inserted to bat first, Cookley responded by compiling a competitive 245-6, in which Jaimen Rudd provided an excellent 80 while skipper Paul Thomas plundered a further 65 from just 57 deliveries.

In reply, Hagley were dismissed for 213 all out.

Aditya Rai took 4-93 while Jack McVey (3-54) and skipper Thomas (3-12) both claimed three wickets each, with Thomas crowning a fine performance with three catches as well.

This victory takes Cookley up to eighth place and that could prove significant as they play the top two sides over the coming fortnight.

Cookley Seconds were also invited to bat first against rivals Lye Seconds and found themselves restricted to 169-9 from a reduced 35 overs where veteran John Martin made 58.

Lye’s Dave Nicholls, who has appeared for Cookley in numerous friendlies, then showed his appreciation of a fine batting wicket by scoring a superb 95 and taking his side to a winning 170-2.

Cookley Thirds will prove popular in Stone at the moment after they pulled off a nine-wicket win over Netherton Thirds in Division Seven.

The result severely dents Netherton’s promotion hopes and should ensure Stone are crowned champions this coming Saturday.

That was after Netherton were inserted to bat first and restricted to 170-8.

Stuey Nicholls then struck 64 not out while Gary Field followed up excellent bowling figures of 5-19 with an unbeaten 67 not out to seal an emphatic success.

The result leaves Cookley Thirds in fourth spot and left wondering what might have been.