COOKLEY are facing showdown talks about the club's future in the Crusader Worceste-rshire County League after their relegation from Division Two was confirmed on Saturday.

The dreaded drop became a reality despite them having the better of their game against third-placed Netherton.

Netherton's last pair were at the wicket with seven runs needed for victory when time was called, leaving the villagers with a winning draw.

The result ensured Netherton did not gain promotion, which was sweet revenge for Cookley who were deducted five points for a rule breach when their earlier game against Netherton was called off due to conditions at Lea Lane.

Kiwi John Blakely (61) and skipper Adam Nicholls (47no) ensured Cookley posted a decent total of 205-7 and it was Blakely again (4-62) and Andy Parker (5-66) who did the damage with the ball as wickets fell at regular intervals when Netherton replied.

With relegation confirmed, players are being called to a special meeting in a couple of weeks' time to decide the way ahead for Cookley.

Chairman Phil Dixon said: "Relegation was, in many ways, inevitable with an ageing team and half a dozen injuries to key players.

"We have some youngsters coming through at a lower level which gives us hope for the future, but we have to take a decision over whether we continue competing in our present form, at what level and how many teams we field."

The second team lost by 54 runs to Netherton at Lea Lane, despite the best efforts of veteran Brian Davis who continued his recent spree with another five-wicket haul. Davis's 5-44 had the visitors in trouble but they rallied to a total of 216-7. In reply only captain Paul Cartwright got to grips with the bowling and Cookley were all out for 162.