Over the weekend the Marsa CC played new touring team Saracens Riffs CC from the United Kingdom.

On Saturday the Marsa team batted first with John Grima and Chris Naudi opening the batting. Naudi was first to go after the 50 partnership had just been scored. He scored 23 runs including two fours.

His brother Andy was next in and next out scoring 14 runs. Grima was finally caught and top scored with 43 runs including two fours. Ronnie Sacco scored 29 runs, Sam Dhandapani 15 and Joy Ghoseroy 10, being the main run scorers.

The Marsa team totalled 165 runs from their allotted 40 overs. Adam Stevens was the main wicket taker with an impressive five wickets and Joe Birch took two wickets for the visitors.

In reply Tom Smith top scored for his team with 40 runs including five fours and Toby Green made 38 runs including seven fours.

Unfortunately for the visitors none of the rest of the batsmen made it into double figures. They were bowled out for 130 runs.

Andy Naudi bowled extremely well taking three wickets for three runs from four overs and Ronnie Sacco took two wickets.

The Marsa team won the Saturday game.

On Friday evening the first game of the two series was played, a 20-over game. Saracens Riffs batted first and totalled 111 runs with Tom Smith top scoring with 35 runs, Nikesh Patel 20 and Joe Birch 13. For the Marsa team Darren Grech and Will Nicholls were the main wicket takers with two each.

The Marsa team faced the full overs but only scored 94 runs and lost the game by 17 runs. Will Nichols top scored with 18 runs, Joy Ghoseroy scored 17 and Sam Aquilina made 11. Nikesh Patel topped his batting with three wickets and Adam Stevens took two wickets.

On Saturday the Malta Cricket Association’s Academy had the last session. Sessions had been held every Saturday since last September. The Academy will re-commence in September. For more information one may contact [email protected]. The academy this year was supported by Sunoco importers F. Busuttil Service Station Ltd.