Start of Charles Mizzi Memorial Cup at Marsa

Marsa won the toss against Krishna CC in the first game of the Charles Mizzi Memorial Cup and elected to bat in undesirable conditions. The decision was justified when the weather cleared up.

Chris Naudi and Damien Willis opened the innings with a partnership of 57 before Willis was caught behind by Grima off the bowling of Ronnie Sacco for 11 runs.

Tim Wheeler then joined Naudi to be dismissed in the same manner for 15 runs seven overs later.

Mark Sacco played well and made 27 runs before being bowled by Wally Glynn who had totally bemused him with his bowling.

Sam Dhandapani joined Naudi at the crease. Naudi, after playing so well, finally succumbed to the bowling of Ronnie Sacco who caught and bowled him. Naudi tallied 71 runs with only two fours. Dhandapani went on to make 36 runs not out from 40 balls.

Other batsmen Rory O'Brien (five runs), Tariq Hidayathullah (five runs) and Vaneet Sharma (eight runs) all tried in vain to raise the run rate.

Gordon Hewitt was the other batsman not out with ten runs at the end of the 50 overs. Marsa were aided with 28 extras which saw them making a total of 216 for the loss of seven wickets.

The Krishna bowlers shared the wickets. The main wicket-taker was Sacco with two, while Sarfraz Ali, John Farrugia, Angelo Spiteri, Glynn and Desmond Don Paul all took a wicket each.

Next Saturday, Marsa take to the field and will need to bowl very tight to back their decision to bat in the first game.

The weather will play a great part in the game especially if it does not rain at all.

The game at Marsa will continue at noon.