A magnificent unbeaten century by New Zealander Jim Blakeley helped Cookley keep up their challenge near the top of Worcestershire League Division Two.

Blakeley smashed 143 while Robbie Perkins was unbeaten on 43 as Cookley made light of their target of 239 set by Belbroughton.

The pair saw Cookley home to an eight-wicket victory with five overs to spare.

They are now in second place, 21 points behind Astwood Bank who suffered a losing draw at Evesham.

Belbroughton 238-5, Cookley A 239-2.

Mid-table Cookley seconds held out for a draw, chasing high-flying Belbroughton's total of 227.

After a quickfire 49 by opener Richard Matthews, the villagers looked to be well set and 41 from Martin Williams kept up the chase.

But after losing wickets, they had to settle for a draw with Paul Cartwright unbeaten on 28 at the close.

Belbroughton 227-4, Cookley B 164-8.