NIGEL Payne’s unbeaten 66 kept Tenbury Wells CC's promotion bid on track as they walloped Himley seconds by eight wickets in Worcestershire League Division Nine.

Replying to Himley’s 187 all out, Payne and Ben Thompson (41) handled the bulk of the chase before the latter was bowled by Dominic Mitchell (2-35).

Tom Pugh (25no) and Payne then guided Tenbury to a comfortable victory at 189-2 inside 42 overs, although they were admittedly aided by a whopping 55 extras from the Himley bowlers.

Earlier, skipper Akil Kapasi (52) and Grant Mitchell (35) threatened to build a decent total for Himley but Rob Farrar (3-29) and Jay Griffiths (2-23) ripped through their middle and lower order.

Elsewhere, Tenbury seconds’ Division Twelve South West title hopes suffered a blow with a heavy defeat by 112 runs at leaders Barnards Green thirds.

Lewis Regan’s 83 helped the hosts post 242-8 as Ashley Wood (3-46) and Ian Taylor (2-36) struck for the visitors and Tenbury were all out for 130 in reply, with Alfie Watts (33) top-scoring.