Chairman's team start on a high

The first game of the year at the Marsa oval was played last Saturday as the Chairman's team figured in a decider against the Captain's side in a series which stood at one apiece at the end of 2008.

Tim Wheeler and Chris Naudi opened the batting for the Chairman's team. After a 49-run partnership, Naudi was caught out for 22, hitting three 4s along the way.

Wheeler went on to retire (local rule) and made 28 runs. Joy Ghoseroy also retired making 24.

Justin Brooke was then bowled with a Yorker. Till that point he had only managed three runs. Andy Lenard added 23 before being caught by Ronnie Sacco who had to make up a few metres to take the catch.

Malcolm Crabbe scored nine but John Rusher did not worry the scorers as Kevin Krishna made three. At the end of the allotted overs, Sarfraz Ali was 14 not out and Pierre Naudi nine as the Chairman's team totalled 156 from 30 overs.

Mike Caruana was the main wicket-taker with three. Glen Tavilla, Angelo Spiteri and Jason Muscat all took a wicket each.

Mark G. Sacco and John Grima opened the batting for the Captain's side.

Sacco retired and eventually returned but only managed to score 14 runs.

Grima had 20 while Ronnie Sacco could only manage four before being bowled. Spiteri added 17 and a superb innings from Tavilla had him scoring 43 runs from 30 balls, including four 4s and two 6s.

Caruana was 21 not out as Patrick Brooke, despite doing well, was unable to add any runs before being caught.

Jason Muscat made three runs before Crabbe ran in from mid-off to take a stunning catch.

In the end, the Captain's team could only manage 142 runs. They lost the series 2-1.

For the Chairman's team, Darren Grech and Pierre Naudi were the main wicket-takers with two each.

Next Saturday, Marsa take on Krishna in the first game of the Globalair Winter League, starting at noon.