Melita, Overseas lead on nine points

The opening two games of an eight-a-side summer tournament were played last weekend at the cricket ground. Melita faced Marsa and SMJV played Overseas in the second game. Krishna CC, the other team in the competition, were not in action.

Fussell brothers, Michael and Daniel, top-scored for Melita with 30 and 24 runs respectively. David Kent Watson chipped in with 23 runs in a total of 128.

For Marsa, Michael Caruana took three wickets. Their reply was shattered with the early wicket of Caruana for 14 runs. Sarfraz Ali and Ronnie Sacco's partnership of 56 runs revived hope until Sacco was run out. Ali top-scored with 43 runs but it was not enough for Marsa to win.

The main wicket taker for Melita was Daniel Fussell. He took two wickets. The win gave Melita nine points and Marsa were only able to obtain two bowling points.

Overseas won the toss and also elected to field.

Mike Smith, opening the batting for SMJV, retired after facing 30 balls (local rules) for 27 runs. He returned and was not out on 34. Grant Williams smashed a big six and three 4s before being bowled for 27 runs. Lief Karlson (17), Keith Abernethy (19) and Steve Aspden (12 runs) all made it to double figures in a total of 148 runs. Richard Newbold was the main wicket-taker with two for the Overseas.

Overseas put on their best batting display with Matt Birkwood retiring on 28 runs and Clive Fussell on 41. Bryan Corlett, the only wicket to fall, made 29 off 16 balls and Richard Newbold and Sean Duffy were not out as Overseas went on to win their first competitive game.

Overseas are now equal with Melita on nine points. SMJV are bottom with one bowling point.

Saturday's fixtures: Krishna vs Overseas - 11 a.m.; Marsa vs SMJV - 2.30 p.m.