There was more big hitting, but far less drama as Cumnor cruised into the last 16 of the npower Village Cup with a 142-run victory over Cranborne.

Tailenders Ayaz Khan and Carl Thompson smashed Cumnor past Horspath in a dramatic Oxfordshire final, and the same pair blitzed 68 off the final four overs this time.

That took the hosts - who were inserted - to an imposing 254-8, which Cranborne never looked like getting once early wickets fell in their reply.

Cumnor will now entertain Gloucestershire champions Marshfield on July 13 with their tails well and truly up.

Cranborne, the Dorset & Wilts champions, needed more than six runs an over from the start, but were soon under pressure.

Ayaz and Thompson teamed up with tight opening spells before paceman Ali Morteza made up for his duck by claiming a fine 5-22.

With spinner Umair Ghazali taking 3-23, Cranborne were all out in the 33rd over.

Some epic lower-order batting had put Cumnor in a great position after a nightmare start.

The hosts racked up an incredible 114 runs off the final ten overs as Ayaz (39) and Thompson (42no) tucked in with relish.

A final total of 254-8 looked a remote prospect after Cumnor lost both their openers inside two overs.

Graham Scott was lbw to Lee Beck, while Morteza played on to Dan Loader for a duck after being promoted to a pinch-hitter role.

Coming in at No 4, Jamie Douglas did not panic and was soon hitting boundaries to restore some much-needed morale.

Cranborne took the initiative again when Jimmy Neilson was caught behind, but Douglas and Dan Gaunt then gave Cumnor real mom- entum.

Douglas rode his luck with some airy drives, but reached his 50 off just 53 balls before top-scoring with 68.

Both he and Gaunt, who was bowled for 50, were frustrated at their dismissals, but they had set a platform for others to build on.

Cranborne looked well in the game at 150-6 before Cumnor's late blitz.

Ironically it was Lee Beck and Dan Loader, the strike bowlers who had caused real problems early on, who copped most of the flak as Ayaz and Thompson unleashed a barrage of sixes.

Even when Ayaz fell in the final over, No 10 Steve Slade managed to top-edge a six off his first delivery!

Cumnor were clearly confident after this, and took decisive wickets early in Cranborne's reply.

Brothers Dan Loader and Andrew Loader both looked in good nick, but were out before they could cut loose.

Morteza removed captain Dan Adlem with a superb return catch that left his victim shaking his head in disbelief, and Cumnor sensed victory.

Wickets fell at regular intervals as no Cranborne player passed 20 and Cumnor could soon celebrate an emphatic win.