COOKLEY settled for a creditable losing draw in their Worcestershire League Division Two clash at home to high-flying Alvechurch and Hopwood.

Batting first after winning the toss, the visitors rattled up 250-7, thanks to ex-Birmingham League player J Rose (95) and J Clifford (53).

Lee Shewry was the pick of the Cookley bowlers with 3-27.

Captain Adam Nicholls once again led by example with the bat, scoring 75 runs while aided by an unbeaten 44 from John Martin and 28 from Gary Field.

But D Wolstencroft's 5-38 ensured the hosts were always running out of wickets though they held on for nine points.

Alvechurch & Hopwood A 250-7, Cookley 206-8.

Cookley seconds marched to the top of the league with a three-wicket success at Alvechurch and Hopwood.

The home team struggled against the accurate bowling of Craig Homer (6-61) and Bart Anderson, crumbling to 168 all out.

Cookley looked to be on the way to an easy victory but lost wickets in the middle order before eventually running out winners.

Alvechurch & Hopwood 168, Cookley 2nds 169-7.