Ludlow 157 Worfield 110

SKIPPER Bryn Simmons saluted match-winner Matt Kennedy after Ludlow Cricket Club blew the Shropshire County League Premier Division title race wide open.

Kennedy was the star turn in Ludlow’s impressive 47-run success over table-topping Worfield in an exciting clash last weekend.

The South African snapped up 5-26 to shoot out Worfield for just 110 after he had top-scored with an unbeaten 36 in Ludlow’s 157 all out.

Simmons said Kennedy enjoyed ‘one of his best days in cricket’ as fourth-placed Ludlow sealed their best win of the campaign.

Simmons is now preparing his troops for this Saturday’s home match against seventh-placed Cound at the Burway.

“Matt Kennedy and James Gerritse put on 50-odd runs for the last wicket and that partnership turned the match on its head,” said Simmons.

“It was an excellent batting pitch and to be bowled out for 157 did not do it justice.

“But our fielding was superb and we caught everything which came our way.

“Matt Kennedy was the man of the match. It was one of his better days in cricket. He was outstanding.”

Simmons added: “It just goes to show what we can do – and we have beaten the team at the top of the league.

“We were the better team and Worfield admitted that to us afterwards.”

Gagandeep Singh took 3-46 as Ludlow disappointed with the bat, despite efforts from captain Simmons (28) and Harry Martin (20).

“I think our batsmen paid the price for trying to score too quickly,” said Simmons.

“Singh has played in around 66 first-class matches and taken in the region of 260 wickets.

“He’s a useful bowler and he certainly knows what he’s doing with the ball.

“Our bowling has been excellent all season – I think our bowling and fielding are probably the best in this league.

“It’s our batting which has been a problem for us this season.”

Worfield’s lead over Reman at the top of the table has been cut to just nine points.

“The win has not done too much for us – we are still in fourth spot – 30 points behind Wem.

“As for the league title it has thrown a spanner in the works for Worfield.

“Worfield are an excellent bunch of lads and put their hands up afterwards and said they had been outplayed by us.”

Simmons says expects another solid display against Cound.

“Cound are midway in the league table and they had a good win last weekend against Albrighton,” said Simmons.

“We have got a few players missing at the Reading Festival but we will have other lads coming in who can stake their claim for places.

“We might be missing a few players but without wanting to sound disrespectful, we should be beating teams like Cound.”