STRIKE bowler Matt Kennedy made a match-winning return to Ludlow, taking eight wickets to ease his side to a convincing opening day victory.

The South African paceman took just two balls to claim his first victim and finished the day with 8-19 as Burway visitors Madeley were put to the sword.

“It was as though he’d never been away,” skipper Will Sparrow admitted after seeing Kennedy rip through the scorecard more than a year after he last lined up for Ludlow.

“He’s been playing back in South Africa but not for the last three or four weeks. I’ve seen him bowl quicker but he just made the batsmen play by bowling fast and straight.

“It helps that he has played over here before and was able to slot straight back in.”

Madeley were reeling at 5-3 – all of them falling to Kennedy – but dug in with the arrival of West Indies all-rounder Jeremy Marshall at the crease.

He hit a rapid 25 off 37 balls including two 4s and a 6 before he too fell to the South African quickie, Gareth Parker taking the catch behind.

Having recovered to 59-4, Madeley lost two more wickets without adding to their tally and were eventually all out for 85 in the 29th over. Sam Edwards also took a wicket while Madeley’s leading scorer Andrew Laycock (29) was run out by Luke Miles.

Ludlow wasted little time in seeing off their target with opener Dylan Grinker carrying his bat for 24 off 50 balls.

He was supported by Sam Edwards (9) and Harry Martin (22) before Jack Griffiths (6) came in to see his side home inside 18 overs.

“Matt took the wickets but credit also needs to go to Dylan and Sam at the top of the order for having the discipline to keep the scorecard ticking over,” Sparrow added.

“When you are chasing such a low total it is easy to get a little bit lazy but they didn’t let that happen with Harry and Jack also playing their part. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Ludlow head to newly-promoted Shelton on Saturday before back-to-back games back at the Burway.

The captain went on: “We need to win our home games and then we will be in with a chance.

“This week’s game will be tough as Shelton have just come up and only narrowly lost on Saturday so will be looking to bounce back.”

Sparrow is set to make one change for the weekend with Keanu Cooper coming in to bolster the batting at the expense of Danny Bradley.