SOUTH African fast bowler Matthew Kennedy admits he’s still getting used to the English weather – after rain wrecked Ludlow’s victory chances against Albrighton.

Fifth-placed Ludlow were dismissed for 204 and then reduced Albrighton to 36-6 from 18 overs in Saturday’s rain-affected abandoned match in the Shropshire County League Premier Division.

“It was a very frustrating afternoon,” said Kennedy, who took 4-3 from five overs.

“We could only bowl another 18 overs and if you don’t play 20 overs of the second innings, it does not constitute a match.

“We had to bowl them out for force a win and they held out.

“We were off the field for two hours and came back on to the field just before 7pm.

“This was the second time this season that we have been denied victory by the rain.”

Kennedy added: “I am still getting used to the on-and-off nature of the game due to the British weather.

“Back in South African, my team has had just one gained rained off in the past two seasons and that was because the opposition team’s covers had been stolen.”

Harry Martin top scored with 51 against Albrighton, while skipper Bryn Simmons (28), Sam Edwards (23) and Will Sparrow (15) contributed. Darren Shimmons took 4-17.

Sparrow (2-5) then supported Kennedy in trying to dismiss Albrighton.

Kennedy said: “We thought about declaring at an earlier stage and then trying to bowl out Albrighton.

“But we were bowled out for 204 and they were 13-4 after eight overs when we came off for light drizzle and we were off the pitch for two hours.”

Ludlow travel to St George’s this Saturday, just nine days after a narrow defeat in the quarter-finals of the Shropshire Twenty20 Cup.

Kennedy has taken 26 wickets for the club this season.

“I am not thinking too much about my own statistics – my aim is to be involved with ball and bat and try to get us into good positions.

Kennedy said: “It was a really close game and it was a good match to be involved in.

“I think it’s going to be another tough game and it’s the last one before the turnaround.

“It’s important that we taking something from playing well and we put it into Saturday’s game.

“I am looking forward to it. It’s a nice ground and I am keen to get out there and do well.”