THAME Town stormed up to second place in Division 2 West after Saturday's comfortable five-wicket win over Basingstoke & North Hants at sundrenched May's Bounty.

Electing to field first, Luke Merry struck an early blow, while Thame's overseas pro, Haresh Dahabi, making his league debut, found success with his third ball.

Both bowlers struck again before lunch when the home side were 79-4 off 36 overs.

Basingstoke came out after the break with more purpose, but Dahabi and Merry were not to be denied. Merry finished with 5-52 off 19 overs and Dahabi 3-51 as Basingstoke were all out for 209.

Chris Wynd and Rob Brooks took 28 off the first four overs of Thame's reply before both fell, allowing coach Manoj Parmar to take over as the visitors reached tea on 96-2 off 24 overs.

Manoj Parmar showed an array of shots before falling for 80, but some big hits from Merry saw Thame cruise home.