MERLEY Cobham Sports kicked off 2022 in style, thrashing a young Hamworthy United reserves side 8-1 to continue their Dorset Premier League title quest.

Hammers made a bright start and took the lead when Merley new-boy Ogun Gundogdu's error was punished with Kai McCrow breaking the deadlock.

However, this proved to be a wake-up call for the hosts, equalising when Callum Perry's free-kick found its way in.

And Merley got their noses in front on the stroke of half-time with Gavin Haynes turning into his own net.

Cobham clicked through the gears after the restart, rattling home six goals in the final half an hour.

Matt Groves made it 3-1 before Josh Buck quickly grabbed the fourth.

Further goals from Elliot Rossiter and Lewis Mills arrived either side of two more for Groves, who secured his hat-trick.

Merley sit second, six points behind Hamworthy Recreation, who won 3-2 at Bournemouth Sports.

Jack Voisey scored twice for the hosts, but efforts from Will Gage, Ashley Boyt and Joe Smith sealed the spoils for Rec.

Rock-bottom Corfe Castle shocked rivals Swanage Town & Herston, winning 3-1 at The Fortress.

Late goals from Finn Lowe and Josh Lee secured the victory after Jamal Baxter's early opener for Corfe.

Swans' goal came from Tom Chapman.

Wareham Rangers were beaten 7-2 at Dorchester Sports, while Poole Borough drew 4-4 with Blandford United.