COOKLEY not only avoided relegation from Worcestershire Saturday League Division Two by defeating Feckenham but jumped up to sixth place.

Playing at home, the villagers batted first with the long established opening partnership of Paul Harris and Phil Dixon was restored for the crucial game.

An opening stand of 106 in 25 overs laid the foundation as Harris hit 62 and Dixon 54 but indifferent batting saw the villagers all out for 193.

Only Lee Shewry (42) was able to cope with Feckenham's wily Stevie Kings who took 7-77.

In reply, Feckenham looked comfortable with their South African star Pottinger in fine form.

Once he had departed to a fine catch by John O'Leary, the visitors had no answer to the pace and swing of Kiwi John Blakeley (6-41) and finished 24 runs short at 169 all out.

Cookley president Steve Cooper said he was delighted with the team's performances this season.

Cooper said: "The team has proved once again they can hold their own in a county league full of established town sides and the village should be proud of this marvellous achievement."

Cookley 193, Feckenham 169.

The seconds lost the away fixture by 76 runs after reducing Feckenham to 183-8.

Simon Kirby took 3-64 from his 25 overs but Cookley's batsmen never got going and were all out for 107.

Feckenham 183-8,

Cookley 2nds 107.