COOKLEY made the worst possible start to their new Worcestershire League Division Two campaign with defeat to Alvechurch and Hopwood.
Unable to field key players due to a registration delay, the villagers reshuffled but still felt confident enough to bat first against the division's new boys.
Cookley were reduced to 7-4 after eight overs and recovered to a dismal 110 all out with only Gary Field finding any touch with a polished 43.
Alvechurch and Hopwood easily knocked off the runs for the loss of just three wickets.
Cookley 110, Alvechurch and Hopwood 111-3.
The seconds restored village pride at Lea Lane with an exciting two-wicket win after four-wicket debutant Mark Guest restricted the visitors to 186-6.
Martin Goode's 64 runs and a classy 54 from Sean Smith helped to see Cookley home.
Alvechurch and Hopwood 186-6, Cookley 2nds 188-8.
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