POP Mellieha in top form

The Krishna team batted first and could not have started any worse, they lost their first three wickets (Nowell Khosla, Joy Ghoseroy and John Rusher) for seven runs. Sumair Khan u Dhruv Duggal fought back and both managed to retire after facing thirty balls. Khan scored twenty two runs while Duggal scored thirty one runs. Then again the Krishna side slumped and ended up making 105 runs after their twenty overs. For Melita Andy Naudi and Justin Brooke took two wickets each as the main wicket takers.

In reply the Melita side also slumped early losing their first four wickets (Chris Naudi, Malcolm Crabbe,Mark G.Sacco u Ben Cassels) for fourteen runs. As in the first innings two players fought back for the batting team. Dave Borg (sixteen runs) and Chris Riorden (fifteen runs). The game went into anti climax mode when two more wickets fell (John Grima  and Justin Brooke) with the  Melita team now needing three runs to win and Krishna needing two wickets to win with two overs remaining.

Tim Wheeler joined Andy Naudi at the crease and the pair made the runs for the victory. For Krishna Nowell Khosla bowled well taking three wickets while Ewan Perens and Dhruv Duggal took two wickets each. Melita earned seven points from the win while Krishna earned one point.

In the second game the Overseas C.C took on POP Mellieha. Pop Mellieha batted first and continued their fine form from their previous game and totalled 153 runs. They were bowled out in the nineteenth over.  Usman Khattak was in excellent form hitting forty six runs from twenty five balls which included three sixes and two fours which all came from the bowling of Mike Caruana. Haroon Majeed also batted well scoring thirty one runs which included one six and a four. For the Overseas team Sean Duffy shone with the ball taking four wickets and was also involved in two run outs, one which was a direct hit. Alex Tylor chipped in with two wickets.

The Overseas were bowled out in the nineteenth over for 107 runs. Mike Caruana scored thirty two runs and John Boland scored eighteen runs. POP Mellieha win the game and earned ten points from the win and lead the ladder with eighteen points. While Overseas are at the other end of the table with two points.

On Sunday the Penders C.C chased down the 102 runs which they required to win.

Next Saturday the Summer league continues with Overseas playing Melita Betfair and POP Mellieha play Marsa C.C.

Saturday morning the Sunoco cricket academy/nursery will be from 9:00 till 10:30am.