COOKLEY finished off their Worcestershire Saturday League Division Two season on a high note with a third consecutive win to lift them to fifth place in the table.

Fielding first away to an under-strength Oldswinford, Cookley's pacemen James Burgoyne, Adam Sellick and John Blakeley soon had the home side in trouble.

Oldswinford never looked comfortable and were all out for 129 with Burgoyne taking 6-41.

In response, the villagers knocked off the runs for the loss of only three wickets with vice-captain Aussie Phil Divito in superb form with an unbeaten 69.

Chairman Phil Dixon said: "We have really played well in recent weeks to maintain our Division Two status and we are indebted to Kiwi John Blakeley and Phil Divito for some excellent performances.

"John returns to Christchurch next month while Phil has ambitions to coach in North America. However it would be nice to think that they both may play for Cookley again in the future."

Olswinford 129, Cookley 130-3.

The seconds had an identical result at Cookley but sadly were on the receiving end of a seven-wicket verdict.

The villagers did well to reach 227-7 on a difficult wicket with Martin Goode (45 not out), Martin Williams (44) and Alan Pestridge (39) all making good contributions.

But with Cookley once again fielding a weakened bowling attack, they never really looked liked winning particularly as six or seven catches all went down.

Cookley 2nds 227-7, Oldswinford 228-3.

Cookley's presentation dinner is on September 28 at the Eagle and Spur pub in the village.

Members of the historic National Village Knockout championship winning side of 1977 are being invited to the dinner for a 25-year reunion.