SHRIVENHAM captain Alex Bowles labelled Conor Taylor’s 4-18 as “superb” after his side squeezed past Minster Lovell to progress into the second round of the OCA Airey Cup.

The holders lost the toss on a wet wicket at Minster and the hosts, whose bowling attack has been lethal so far this season, continued their great form, dismissing Shrivenham for just 119 with Rob Wycherley’s 31 off 50 balls the only real resistance from the visitors.

“Without doubt, we underperformed with the bat, but given both sides bowled extremely well on an especially damp wicket, batting was always going to be tough,” the Shrivenham skipper said.

Shrivenham’s response with the ball was emphatic and Minster struggled to build any substantial partnerships as wickets fell regularly.

Conor Taylor's 11 overs 4-18 spearheaded the attack but there was also great support in the shape of Matt Brown (8.2-1-29-3) and James Harris (7-3-18-2), who helped Shrivenham bowl out the hosts for just 97.

“Conor kept things simple, bowled in good areas and swung the ball both ways,” Bowles said.

“He didn’t go searching for wickets, but just put it in great areas and remained patient. It could be easy to say that the pitch helped us, but that would be extremely harsh on our bowlers. They bowled superbly all innings and got the rewards they deserved.”

Bowles was extremely positive about the response to the disappointing first innings.

“There was so much fight from everyone and the team spirit was at an ultimate high,” he added.

“I can’t think of a time where under such pressure, defending such a low total, that we’ve shown a better bowling display.”