SKIPPER Martyn Davies says Droitwich Cricket Club will need to take their nine-wicket opening-day hiding “on the chin”.

The Spa club were shot out for just 43 by Worcestershire League Division One newcomers Cookley at St Peter’s Playing Fields.

Cookley raced to the target in just 6.4 overs.

“The toss was important but I don’t think it was the only factor,” said Davies, whose side finished third last season.

“Cookley bowled well but we failed to come up with a response to the questions they asked.

“It was always going to be tough but we need to apply ourselves better than we did after losing a couple of early wickets.

“It is a defeat which we have to take on the chin and move on. These things happen early on in the season and we will move on quickly.”

Droitwich travel to Hagley on Saturday (1pm) and Davies expects another tough test.