OVERSEAS star Andrew Falloon looks set to miss Weymouth’s first two Dorset Premier League matches of the season after being unable to fly into Heathrow.

The New Zealander, who was lined up to join the team two years ago before having to pull out, was due to reach the UK tomorrow but has had his flight cancelled by Emirates because of the volcanic ash cloud engulfing the skies of Europe.

Weymouth began their pre-season campaign with victory at Martin-stown on Saturday but had to do it without left-arm pace bowler Falloon or injured skipper Paul Payne, who is recovering from a shoulder operation.

Payne said: “Andrew was due to land on Wednesday but he’s had his flight cancelled by Emirates and they have booked him on the next available flight, which is on May 7.

“He’s going to keep phoning up the airport when it’s open again because there’s a chance there will be a cancellation but, as it stands, he won’t be here until May 8.

“It’s ridiculous that an act of God is costing us but there’s nothing that can be done.

“He’s just as gutted because his kit bag is here and everything is ready – his own bag is packed and he’s not working so he’s just sat on his doorstep waiting to come over.”

Falloon’s later flight means he will miss Weymouth’s pre-season friendly with Bradford Abbas on Saturday at Redlands, as well as their opening two Dorset Premier League games – at home to Poole Town on May 1 and away to Wim-borne & Colehill on May 8.