HALF-centuries from Ben Cooke and Fergus Cameron proved decisive as hosts Colwall opened their Worcestershire League Division One campaign with a four-wicket win over Coombs Wood.

Chasing 217-8 in ideal conditions, skipper Cooke and Cameron shared a crucial second-wicket stand of 84 to put the hosts in command.

A flurry of late wickets offered the visitors a lifeline but victory was sealed with three overs in hand.

Wood slipped to 29-3 and 122-6 with wickets for Mike Gooch (2-38), Luke Dally, Cameron, Nick Brown and Andy Robertson.

Nathan Round was bowled by Dally (3-39) for 85 and Alex Chappell (20) hit out lustily late on.

In reply, Cooke and Nick Panniers (24) sharing an opening stand of 55 before Cameron provided support.

Cooke was caught out for 77, Cameron trapped lbw on 50 and Ben Wheeler (30) bowled attempting a big hit.

But PJ Recorden (10 not out) coolly drove two boundaries to settle the issue.

Colwall seconds were left to rue a decision to insert hosts Netherton in Division Five as they just got a losing draw after conceding 320-7.

Steve Coffey (3-93) was the most successful visiting bowler.

Idris Mohammad smashed 50 in reply and John Card weighed in with 36 but the chase soon faltered despite 48 from skipper Will Bishop as Colwall closed on 228-9 for six points.