Marsa beat Pretenders twice

Over the weekend, Marsa took on touring side Pretenders CC from England in a two-game series.

On Saturday, Andy Allan opened the batting for the visitors who won the toss. He made 42 runs and was joint top-scorer with Tom Hall who was not out towards the end of the innings. Duncan Stahl chalked up 39 runs.

David Forrestor and Mark Angus both chipped in with 17 runs each and aided with 30 extras, the Pretenders collected 202 from their 40 overs.

For Marsa, Alan Swift was the most successful bowler with two wickets.

In reply, Marsa openers Joy Ghoseroy and Mark G. Sacco made a 74-run partnership before the latter was caught and bowled for 22.

Three quick wickets fell to the bowling of Duncan Stahl and Marsa were in trouble on 89 runs. Mike Smith and Sam Dhandapani steadied the score though with 43 and 38 respectively as Marsa won the game by five wickets. Stahl took four wickets for Pretenders.

On Sunday, the tourists again batted first and put up an impressive score of 271 runs from their 40 overs. James Mawson scored 58, Gerry Sullivan 65, Stahl 52, Tim Moynihan 26 and Tom Hall 18.

Julian Buttigieg was the pick of the bowlers taking three wickets.

The run chase started off well for the hosts with Tim Wheeler's 35 and 54 for Sarfraz Ali. Buttigieg then capped a fine day with a scorching 108 not out in a match-winning performance.

Nadeem Ashraf chipped in with 38 not out as Marsa won the series two to nil.

On Saturday, Marsa Select will take on Asian Select in the third game from the Mediterranean Cup series, starting at noon. Nursery activities start at 9.30 a.m.