Over the weekend, Marsa CC entertained the first touring team for the year, Peshwa CC, in a two-game series at the oval.

A whirlwind Andy Naudi innings dominated play on Saturday as the home team batted first. He scored 85 runs from 61 balls which included 12 fours and two sixes.

In one special over he chalked up 25 runs with shots going over the mid-wicket boundary.

Marsa totalled 218 runs with Joy Ghoseroy contributing with 37 runs and Tony Azzopardi hitting 26 towards the end.

For Peshwa, Jai was the most successful bowler taking four wickets.

In reply, the tourists were bowled out for 144 runs. Angre was their shining light with a 50. Amal had 29 but there weren’t many who made it into double figures.

For Marsa, the wickets were shared among Robert Krishna and Sumair Khan, with two each.

The hosts batted first on Sunday. This time, however, had it not been for a partnership of 94 runs by Tim Wheeler and Andy Lenard the scorecard would have been rather bare for the locals.

Lenard top-scored with 55 runs while Wheeler made 31 runs, both were unbeaten.

For Peshwa, Anil took three wickets and Kiran two.

The match proved to be an exciting one as the game went into the final over with the home team needing two wickets for a tie and the visitors requiring a run for victory.

The first ball was faced by top scorer Vijay, who had made 45 runs. He was bowled. In came the last batsman and Marsa were hopeful for the tie.

The second ball resulted in a no score but Amil, being a very cool customer, hit the third ball for four and victory went the way of Peshwa who levelled the series.

Earlier Prasad collected 24 runs, Kiran 20 and R. Angre 31 for the visitors.

For Marsa, Lenard and Chris Naudi took three wickets.

Next Saturday, a friendly match will be played at Marsa in the build-up to the upcoming matches against other touring teams.

The Sunoco cricket nursery will be open between 9 and 10.30am.