Over the weekend the Marsa C.C took on returning cricket team Chelsea Art who last toured in 2004.
On Saturday the Marsa team batted first. John Grima and Andy Naudi opened the batting. Grima was the first to go being bowled by Nicholls for 29 runs. Tim Wheeler then joined Naudi and together they put on 69 runs.
Wheeler was next out making 23 runs being caught by the wicket keeper Paul Cook from the bowling of Luke Hickey. Naudi went on to make 100 runs scoring nine fours and a six along the way.
Javed Shah scored 26 runs from 25 balls before being caught. Ronnie Sacco battled hard and fell short of 50 runs making 48 runs including six fours. He was caught by Luke Hickey of the bowling of Andrew Hancock who also took the wicket of Thomas Rusher. Anthony Roberts made 13 runs. The Marsa totalled 254 runs from their allotted overs.
In reply the visitors in attempt to keep up with the run rate went for risky shots and paid the ultimate price of being bowled out for 99 runs. Steve Cole top scored with 30 runs and Luke Hickey made 23 runs. For the Marsa team Tony Slater bowled very well taking three wickets as did Derek Ali. Tim Wheeler and Ronnie Sacco both took two wickets each. The Marsa team go one up in the series.
On Sunday the visitors had a couple of injuries and Nowell Khosla and John Grima filled in for them. Again the Marsa team batted first and this time were bowled out for 172 runs.
Joy Ghoseroy scored 52 runs and Malcolm Crabbe 51 runs as the main scorers. Khosla was the main wicket taker with four. Charles Hickey took two wickets, Luke Hickey and Andrew Hancock took a wicket each.
I n reply an opening partnership of 122 runs between Luke Hickey and John Grima sealed the game for the visitors. Hickey was caught after making 60 runs. Grima remained 71 runs not out and Henry Dodson made 30 runs not out.. This was Chelsea Arts first win on the Island and also squared the series.
Next weekend: On Saturday two Division 1 games will be played - 10.30am start Krishna C.C v Melita C.C – 2pm start Krishna C.C v Overseas C.C
On Sunday there will be the first women’s cricket game between the Falcons and the Alligators starting at 10.30am. This will be an exhibition game being played at the Marsa Sports Club.