LUDLOW all-rounder Richard Taylor had a taste of international opposition last Sunday.

The teenager opened the batting for Herefordshire 2nd as the county side suffered a narrow two-wicket defeat against the Nigerian national side at Eastnor.

And Taylor impressed as he held firm and instigated a recovery with a useful 20 after the home side slipped to 14-4 in the face of a fiery burst from opening bowler Saheed Akolade who ripped out the first four batsmen.

“It was quite tough going out there early on with the opening bowler jagging it away,” said Taylor.

“It was just a case of staying in there with a few wickets gone and so it was annoying to get out when I did.

“It was quite a hard pitch to bat on and it was difficult to get the ball away.

“They were putting the ball in the right areas and I just tried to knuckle down but the ball that got me out kept its line and I just missed it.”

Taylor is hoping to play more games for Herefordshire 2nd who have several matches arranged before the end of the season.

“I really enjoy these games and they are quite a challenge,” he said. “It’s a bit different from playing for Ludlow 2nd.”