The engine starting in the wrong direction is pretty normal. It happens to me pretty often (I use a chicken stick). What works the best for me is to gently spin the prop clockwise until it gets to the end of the stroke, then start with the stick or starter, giving the prop a 'running start', i.e. giving the piston some momentum through the compression stroke. I didn't know this was related to over priming, but it makes sense as it rarely happens when the engine is warm.