Off-spinner Steve Merry took 6-35 as Thame Town took a major step towards safety in Division 2 West of the Sommers Home Counties Premier League with a crushing eight-wicket win over local rivals Aston Rowant at Church Meadow.

Thame won the toss and elected to field on what looked like a good batting wicket.

Rowant's start reflected this as, after Luke Merry trapped Alex Jewell, they moved to 67-1 with Dom Telo taking the attack to Thame's seamers.

The turning point was the introduction of spinners Steve Merry and Haresh Dabhi, both of whom generated considerable turn.

After Sammy Lachlan had Telo caught at square leg for 31, the spin twins went about their business to bowl Rowant out for 146.

The only batsman to show any resolve was opener Tim Morgan, who batted for 50 overs for a patient 54.

In reply, Thame looked to be positive as Aston Rowant took the old ball, and Manoj Parmar showed his class against spin.

By the time Tim Foster dismissed Chris Wynd for 16, the opening partnership was worth a valuable 70.

Skipper Krol joined Parmar as they looked to see the new ball off and both batsman played fluently to edge Thame closer to victory.

Krol was out just short of the target, but Parmar saw Thame home with an excellent unbeaten 90.