COOKLEY are gearing up for the coming season under a new leader and are hopeful of adding a young South African batsman to their team.

Former Himley CC pace bowler Andy Parker is swapping the Birmingham League for the Worcestershire League by joining Cookley as the firsts' manager/coach.

His move has come about through a sponsorship arrangement with the Bulls Head at Cookley, one of three pubs now supporting the club along with the Anchor, Caunsall, and the Red Man, Kidderminster.

For Parker, it marks a return to the club where he used to play as a youngster and the village where he grew up.

At the club's annual meeting, ex-Stourport Swifts footballer Adam Nicholls was re-elected as firsts' captain.

Chairman Phil Dixon reported on a successful season last year in which the club had finished fifth in Worcestershire League Division Two.

Dixon singled out Aussie Phil Devito, overseas player John Blakeley, who has returned to New Zealand, and home-grown Lee Shewry for their contributions.

Cookley had proved they were not an easy team to beat, he said, but it was now the time to push on and the club was optimistic it could improve on last year's position.

Gavin Brown will captain the seconds and there will be two Wednesday teams plus a Sunday eleven in the Stainweld League.

In the national village knock-out competition, Cookley, winners in 1977, have been drawn at home at Herefordshire side Garnons on May 11.

Net practice continues at Stourport Sports Centre on Sunday mornings with additional sessions at Evesham on Saturdays.