Great & Little Tew’s bowlers tore through Shipton-underWychwood’s top order as they recorded a five-wicket win at home in Saturday’s Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League Division 2 derby encounter.

The result saw hosts Tew extend their lead at the top to 22 points over their west Oxfordshire rivals.

Before the game Shipton skipper Simon Hole had urged his players to improve their batting.

However, his side failed to heed his words, as Tew’s attack ripped through the top order.

Opening bowlers Matt Woods, who returned 3-25, and skipper Andy Harris, with 3-39, struck with devastating effect to leave Shipton in all sorts of trouble at 69-7.

But a 59-run partnership from Craig Wood (26) and Charlie Brain (45) saw Shipton finish on 165-9 from their 58 overs.

The visitors got off to a poor start when Woods had opening batsman Andrew Hemming caught for four by Martin Coetzee to leave them at 4-1.

Lawrence Brock bowled George Seacole for 14 before Harris did the same to his opposite number, Simon Hole, to leave Shipton teetering at 36-3 Wickets then fell steadily before Wood and Brain’s stand gave the visiting side something to bowl at.

In reply, Tew saw opener Joe White caught by Hemming for 17 off the bowling of Stuart Hole with only 26 on the board.

A partnership of 42 between Jordan Garrett and Coetzee steadied the ship.

However, when they were out in quick succession it left them at 72-3.

Slatter was bowled by Shaun Miller with the score on 94, but a stand of 47 between Harry Smith and Ashley Hubbert took them towards their target.

Smith was eventually out for 34, before Hubbert and Robbie Shurmer steered Tew home in just 41.4 overs to make it six wins from their opening nine matches.

On Saturday Tew will look to pull further away at the top when they entertain Finchampstead.