SHRIVENHAM slumped to a disappointing 60-run defeat to newly-promoted Cowley Internationals in OCA Division One, writes James Harris.

After inviting Cowley to bat first following the morning’s rain, Haroon Khan (63) and Hajji Sadiqi (43) helped the home side to 241-7 at the interval.

In reply, the Shrivenham top order struggled, with only Conor Taylor (27) and Andrew Bowles, who hit 57 from number nine, offering any resistance as the chase ended at 181-9 after 45 overs.

Shrivenham captain Alex Bowles was naturally disappointed at the climax of the match, saying: “At the tea interval I was somewhat content with our position. Despite some occasional loose bowling, I felt with the potential in our batting line-up on a good wicket with small boundaries, 242 was very much a par score.

“What followed after tea though was extremely poor on our behalf, with the exception of Andy’s knock towards the end.”

Shrivenham started the chase well, reaching 65-1 after 13 overs thanks to a good partnership between Shaz Khan and Taylor. However, after a disastrous run out ended Khan’s stint at the wicket, the next six wickets fell for a miserly 22 runs and all but ended any chances of a successful chase.

The batting is becoming a frequent cause for concern following the failure last week, with 119 all out in the cup game at Minster Lovell, and again this weekend after Shrivvy found themselves at 87-7.

But Bowles reassuringly suggested: “We’ll definitely be spending some extra time in the nets this week trying to get some form back in the lads, and will no doubt come out stronger next week.”

Next week, Shrivenham will be looking bounce back as they host a struggling Hook Norton, who currently sit at the bottom of the division.