Shropshire's bowling attack takes plaudits
Shropshire's bowling attack today stood proud after a starring role in the first Minor Counties Championship Western Division win of the season.
The Cats' formidable trio of German Randhawa, Ross Aucott and Ben Sanderson skittled Oxfordshire's second innings for a paltry 54.
That allowed the county to prevail by 166 runs on the final day, successfully defending a lead of 220, at Bridgnorth yesterday.
Left-arm spinner Randhawa led the way with 4-15, proving an ideal foil for the right-arm fast bowlers who provided chief support.
Aucott was nearly as formidable with 3-15 while Sanderson took 2-19, also running out Jamie Perkin as he backed up.
Yorkshiremen Randhawa and Sanderson teamed up with Aucott to great effect and took the plaudits, insisting determination was the biggest factor.
Randhawa said: "Me and 'Sando' grew up together and came through the age groups, academy and onto the senior teams, so we know each other's games well.
"We stuck to our guns and showed what we can achieve with this side. It was a great day for us bowlers, you earn your bread when day three comes along on a turning track.
"I was backed up brilliantly by Ross and 'Sando' on that pitch, where seamers got very little. They got the ball talking, which was a great help for me.
"In the context of the game, it was perhaps one of my best spells, when the pressure is on and everyone is looking at you to get the wickets.
"I have been in this position before and not managed to get the last couple, so it's a great personal achievement for me."
Aucott was making just his second appearance for Shropshire, the Albrighton-based former Idsall School student turning out at club level for Wolverhampton.
The 18-year-old said: "It's brilliant, it's the best I have bowled in senior cricket. I got 5-5 once for Shropshire in the age group, I was 13 and we were on a tour of South Africa!
"It's definitely my best achievement so far, considering the level certainly makes it all the better. Going from Saturdays to playing three days is a different mindset."
Sanderson admitted Randhawa's trail-blazing inspired the other bowlers, saying: "Gurman bowled really well and me and Ross got fired up. It was a great effort from the lads on a flat track."
