Over the weekend starting Friday afternoon, the Marsa C.C took on returning team Pretenders C.C who were on their fourth tour.

The proceedings began well for the tourists with the home side being bowled out for a mere 83 runs in the 20 over encounter.

Duncan Stahl being the main wicket taker with three while George Brooksbank and Chris Jacobs tok two wickets each. Bikram Arora was the pick of the batsmen for the Marsa team scoring thirty five runs.

For the Pretenders, Danish Ahmen led the way with 29 runs, while Archie Brooksbank scored 23 in their team’s first win since 2008 against the local side.

The Pretenders batted first on Saturday and Miguel Toney opening the batting made light work of the bowling smashing his way to seventy one runs which included ten fours and a six - a delight to watch (not for the bowlers). Once he was out, the momentum of the game swung back to the home side who held the Pretenders at eight wickets down for 132 runs.

Alfie Brooksbank (61 runs not out) and Mike Olphert (26 not out) denied the Marsa bowlers any more wickets and took the score to a formidable 212 runs.

For Marsa, Derek Ali shone taking five wickets, a catch and involved in a run out.

Tony Azzopardi opening the batting hit 23 runs from 20 balls which gave the home side a great start. Batsmen for the home side were making it to double figures but were getting out at crucial times.

Alas for the home side, the in form Bikram Arora was batting through many of these partnership. With 30 runs needed, the home side were struggling with only two wickets remaining. As in the first innings the bowlers took no more wickets, Arora ending up with 81 runs, which included seven fours and one six. John Grima was the other not out batsman with 13 runs.

George Brooksbank and Miguel Toney were the main wicket takers with two each. Marsa tie the series which left the Sunday game for the decider.

The Sunday game took its toll on the visitors who batted first and were bowled out for 141 runs.

Mike Olphert top scored with 45 runs, while Danish Ahmed, Duncan Stahl, George Brooksbank and David Forrester all made it too double figures but never went on to make big scores.

For the Marsa team, Andy Naudi took four wickets while Chris Riordan took three.

In reply, the Marsa team lost six wickets but were comfortable winners. Nowell Khosla scored 30 runs and Andy Lenard 46 as the main contributors.

For the Pretenders George Brooksbank was the main wicket taker with three.

Marsa win the series two to one.

This weekend the Marsa C.C take on new touring team Steamboat Willies C.C in a two game series.

On Saturday, the Sunoco Cricket academy/nursery will be from 9am to 10.30am.