REJUVENATED Cookley suffered a cruel last-over defeat at promotion-chasing Astwood Bank in Worcestershire League Division Two.

Bank, who have reached the National Village Knockout semi-finals, were pushed hard by their lowly opponents.

Cookley totalled 188-9, thanks to Grant Snowball(43) and Lee Shewry (37 not out).

The home side reached the target with four wickets to spare but Cookley only had themselves to blame after dropping four crucial catches.

A run-out decision also went against the Wyre Forest side and skipper Adam Nicholls admitted: "It was a game we could and should have won.

"Thanks to some tight bowling we made a good team fight very hard to beat us. We need to take the same approach in the remaining six games if we are to avoid relegation."

Cookley 188-9, Astwood Bank 192-6.

The seconds performed poorly at Lea Lane and their 154 was never going to be enough on a good batting wicket.

Cookley's innings was held together by Gav Brown's club best score of 66 but Astwood Bank won with ease.

Cookley 2nds 154, Astwood Bank 155-3.