All-square in series with Aussie veterans

The Marsa oval was again a busy place during the weekend with two more fixtures from the Summer League and a match involving the locals and the Australian veterans team (over 60) who are preparing for a three-game series against England.

On Saturday, Melita played Overseas where the latter batted first and totalled their highest score of the tournament, 115 runs.

Mike Caruana, 25 runs, Austin O’Malley, 22, and Roger Bradley, 11, were the main scorers for Overseas as three Melita bowlers took two wickets each – Steve Mault, Andy Naudi and Greg Symons.

The game dragged into the last over with one ball remaining for the Melita team to eventually get the runs required. Andy Naudi scored 28 runs and David Eyons and Nowell Khosla both hit 23.

Melita gained seven points from the game while Overseas only got one point.

In the second game, Marsa overpowered Krishna, bowling them out for 51 runs. Sam Aquilina was the only batsman to get past double figures with 18 runs.

Derek Ali bowled his team into the winning position by taking five wickets.

Ronnie Sacco (16 runs) and Mark G. Sacco (14 runs) were the main run scorers for Marsa in their win.

Marsa earned 10 points and Krishna just one.

On Saturday, Melita take on Marsa and Overseas play Krishna in the next matches from the Summer League.

The Australian veterans had two selections to rely on, one to play the 20-over game and the other for the 40-over game. With 40 members in the squad, this was the biggest group Marsa has ever hosted in the touring season.

In the first game, the visitors batted first and totalled a mere 96 runs.

Greg Lott top-scored with 26 as Clive Wundersitz and Alan Stephens chipped in with 15 runs.

Adam Krishna was the main wicket-taker for Marsa with two wickets.

The locals were going along nicely until Chris Naudi had to retire when on 24 runs. Marsa were then bowled out for 84 with only George Agius helping the cause with a run of 30.

For the Australians, Bill Dobson took three wickets while Dave Welford, Alan Stephens and Rob Wilson took two each.

In the second game, the visitors batted first and totalled 127 runs, Ian Fraser top-scoring with 43 runs.

Chris Toben and Dave Axelby added 17 and Arthur Pritchard 14.

Sarfraz Ali felled two Australia wickets.

Marsa were able to make the runs with Paul Bradley hitting a high 37 runs. George Agius finished with 29, Nowell Khosla 17, Sam Aquilina 15 and Pierre Naudi 12.

Arthur Pritchard took three wickets and Dave Axelby two as the series ended 1-1.