SPILLED catches cost Cookley a home Worcestershire Saturday League Division Two win against struggling Martley.

They had no hesitancy in batting first on an excellent Lea Lane wicket with Phil Dixon (43) and Phil Divito (97) establishing a sound platform after Paul Harris' dismissal.

The villagers launched into the opposition attack for the last 20 overs to reach a formidable 295-5.

Divito's 97 was his best for Cookley but his hopes of a century were dashed when he was involved in a run-out mix-up with John Blakeley.

New Zealander Blakeley had rattled up 61 not out with good support from Gary Mills (27) and Lee Shewry (31).

After losing their last five matches, Martley settled for a draw and were 199-7 off their 50 overs at the close, helped by poor fielding and dropped catches from Cookley.

Cookley 295-5, Martley 199-7.

Ten-man Cookley were left cursing last-minute drop-outs as they deserved more than a losing draw at Martley.

The home side looked to be struggling to reach 150 but dropped catches enabled them to rally to 211 all out.

Simon Anderson followed up his eight wickets the previous Saturday with another marathon spell of 25 overs, taking 6-113.

Veteran spinner Arthur Richards gave him good support with a three-wicket haul.

Cookley's batting started well with skipper Martin Goode getting his side off to a fine start.

Paul Holden (44) and Pete Lowe(43) continued the good work before Matt Goode chipped in with 21.

But Adam Matthews (27 not out) could not quite see his side home and the visitors fell four runs short of their target.

Martley 211, Cookley 2nds 208-8.