Last week was a busy one for local cricket as Marsa CC took on returning team Sinsen, from Norway, on two occasions. During the weekend, Marsa also played another returning team, Old Paulines, from the UK.

On Wednesday, Sinsen won the toss and elected to bat first in a 40-over game. The Marsa fielders were on their toes and took all the catches that came their way which rattled the Norwegians. Ronnie Sacco ended with four wickets.

For the tourists, Arswad top-scored with 28 runs as Sinsen totalled 112 runs and were bowled out in the 31st over.

In reply, Marsa only lost one wicket, that of Frank Spiteri who scored 31 runs. Ronnie Sacco backed up his bowling by making 37 (not out) and Alan Kyle scored 27. The home side reached their target in the 25th over.

The Friday fixture was a 20-over game. Again, the visitors batted first but this time they scored 145 runs, Waqas top-scoring with 52.

The Marsa team had a shaky start and lost early wickets.

Eventually, they only managed 130 and lost by 15 runs. Malcolm Crab hit 39 runs and Mike Caruana 30 from 17 balls.

For Sinsen, Rukhsar and Humayun were the main wicket-takers with two wickets each. The series ended one-all.

On Saturday, Old Paulines elected to bat first, King opening the batting and scoring 58 runs. Pugh also hit a half century (55 not out) from a total of 197 runs from the 40 overs allotted.

Nowell Khosla opened the batting for Marsa and scored an impressive 60, Joy Ghoseroy scored 42 while John Grima (28 not out) and Sarfraz Ali (nine not out) saw the home team through. Andy Lenard also chipped in with 23 runs.

Marsa won the game and now lead the series 1-0.

The second game will be played tomorrow, starting at 10.30 a.m.

Meanwhile, the Globalair Summer League continues on Friday and Saturday with all four teams playing on both days.

Starts have been set for 11.30 a.m. 3 p.m. for both days.