Malta captain Luke Bradley receives his cap from Sam Aquilina at the Marsa Oval.Malta captain Luke Bradley receives his cap from Sam Aquilina at the Marsa Oval.

It was a landmark milestone for cricket in Malta last week as the Malta Cricket Academy played their first ever representative matches against the David Byas Cricket Academy from Yorkshire, UK.

Byas is a former captain and coach of Yorkshire County Cricket Club while the local juniors themselves were guided by former Kent professional Darren Scott.

The series saw the local side victorious in both games.

Malta Cricket said in a statement that it is looking to build on this success by promoting international junior tournaments in Malta and competing abroad.

In Tuesday’s opener, DBCA batted first and reached 95 runs from their allotted 30 overs, restricted by some excellent bowling and fielding by the Malta team.

For DBCA, Josh Matthews top scored with 25 runs, while the major wicket-taker for the hosts was Waleed Ahmed (2 for 8).

Luke Bradley, Hugh Scott and Suhrid Roy also captured a wicket apiece.

In reply, the Malta Academy made light work of the run chase, reaching their target in only the 21st over.

Wicket-keeper Scott Ewan (51) and Suhrid Roy (19) steered their side home to a convincing victory.

The Malta Academy batted first in Wednesday’s match and reached the commanding total of 173 runs from their 30 overs.

The innings were dominated by Patrick Brooke (51) and Ewan (44).

Ahmed scored 13 while Ethan Xuereb hit one towering six and a four to end the innings on 16 not out.

Chasing 174 for victory, DBCA’s Noel Calau, Sam Noble and Rob Boddy all scored 25 runs however a cluster of wickets in the middle stages left the visitors short of the required rate, finishing on 160 for 8.

Again, it was an excellent team effort by the Malta juniors. Opening bowler Ali Hamza bowled a tidy spell, conceding only five runs from three overs, while Hugh Scott took the bowling honours with three wickets for 23.

Devon Brooke, Suhrid Roy, Ben Hooper and Imogen Scott all picked up a wicket each for the Malta Academy.

The Malta Juniors won the match by 13 runs.

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