Salix pruned

Last weekend, Salix CC opened the touring 2003 season at the Marsa Cricket Club, with two 40-over matches.

On Saturday, in bright sunny conditions, Marsa batted first to post a good total of 215 for five in their 40 overs. Salix opening bowler, Bush, kept things tight with two quick wickets. C. Naudi and S. Dhandapani (25) steadied Marsa's ship with a third wicket partnership of 65 runs. When Naudi was bowled for 45 runs, James had claimed a pair of his own.

Callus and R. Krishna (22) gradually increased the run-rate before Bush took his third to break the partnership of 76 runs. At 181 for five, Callus dominated to finish unbeaten on 69.

In reply, Salix were prevented from building any significant partnerships as Marsa fielded extremely well. A. Spiteri topped the bowling with three for 20 in his six overs, with keeper Grima taking two catches and Naudi holding on to two superb catches. Salix were reduced to 129 all out in 35.4 overs.

Sunday's match followed a similar pattern as Marsa changed eight players and posted a better total of 254 for six in their 40 overs.

All their bats contributed well with C. Naudi (33), A. Spiteri (35), S. Dhandapani (26), K. Krishna (30) and M. Sacco (16). Marsa opening bat, S. Ali, dominated proceedings to give the locals a solid run-rate of over seven runs per over before he was judged lbw on 66.

Another good fielding performance by Marsa prevented a Salix fight-back.

The West Londoners survived 33 overs before they were all out for 89 runs. Towers took two good catches as W. Glynn dominated with figures of four for 29 in eight overs.

The coming days see the return of Kensington CC when a tougher three-match series is expected.