COOKLEY could be facing a long hard season if the results of the first weekend's fixtures in the Crusader Worcestershire County League division two are anything to go by.

Both village teams, fielding weakened line-ups through unavailability, were soundly thrashed with the first team mustering an embarrassing 53 all out in reply to Barnards Green's 210-8 for Lea Lane and suffering a crushing 157-run defeat.

Only New Zealander John Blakely, returning to Cookley for a second time to fill the overseas player's berth, came out of the game with any credit with a 4-57 haul and he was also the only player to reach double figures as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Cookley 1st XI: 53 ; Barnards Green 1st XI: 210-8 ;

The second eleven did at least get 100 on the board at Barnards Green but only just. In reply Hooper dominated proceedings with an unbeaten 73 as the home side reached their target with eight wickets to spare.

Barnards Green 2nd XI: 104-2 ; Cookley 2nd XI: 102.