Photo © ECC

This weekend the Marsa oval played host to a festival of cricket and, despite the usual ups and downs, the true spirit of the game won the day. The Norwegian Cricket Board (NCB) came to Malta for a week's training camp culminating in two 50-over international matches. Also touring was the village team from Kent, Tunbridge Wells Borderers C.C. (TWBCC).

The NCB, under the guidance of coach Ralph Dellor, took advantage of the Marsa facilities and the ideal weather conditions to work on their technique and teamwork. Following a couple of days' training sessions, they played two friendly internationals against the Maltese national squad.

On Thursday, the NCB opened the batting with a cautious start in the first few overs. Babar (78) then took the attack to the bowlers. He hit some delightful strokes, including three 6's and six 4's, before he was caught at deep cover off Dhandapani to give the visitors an opening partnership of 104 runs. The patient Munin was next to go off Callus at mid-off for 33. Shahid and Zeeshan were next in. With their partnership at 82 runs, Zeeshan (42) was caught off Callus with the score at 216 for 3 in the 38th over. With wickets in hand, the visitors kept up the pressure but they found a very effective bowler in Frankie Spiteri. He took 4 for 57 as he dismissed Shahid (66) including ten 4's, Shamoon (21) and Majid and Jabar for ducks. Keeper Grima chipped in with a catch and a stumping. When Ata went for 18 off A.Spiteri, the NCB had posted a massive 312 for 8 in their 50 overs.

Photo © ECC

Malta's reply was equally good as they matched the NCB's score at the 25th over of 134 runs for the loss of one extra wicket. F.Spiteri hit one 6 and eight 4's before he was trapped lbw off Ata for 69. Ata followed by bowling A.Spiteri for 21. Caruana seemed set to take up the challenge when he was run out for 37 following a misunderstanding with his partner. Shamoon with 4 for 35 and Majid with 3 for 13 then destroyed the middle order and tail end, as Malta collapsed to 168 all out.

In the second match on Saturday, the NCB continued in the same vein as they piled on 326 for 7. Babar (68), Shahid (61) and Munin (55) smashed their way to 195 for 3 by the 32nd over. Majid (27), Gulfam (22), Zeeshan (14), Atta (18*) and Amrit (23*) all chipped in well. However, Malta were not dispirited as they put up a good fight, aided by a visit from the Minister for Sport Jesmond Mugliett. Callus (25) and A.Spiteri (21) ably supported F.Spiteri (92) before he was run out rather unluckily just short of his century. Dhandapani (21) and Ali (13) combined well with Grima (37*) as Malta reached a very respectable 237 for 9 for their reply.

Photo © ECC

Both squads will be meeting each other again in Vienna in August when they participate in the 2003 ECC TrophyÖ and they will afford each other much respect as the Malta squad will be strengthened with their two recognised opening bowlers.

On Friday and Sunday, Marsa CC played host to TWBCC. They tied their series of two matches. In the first match, Green for TWBCC took 3 for 19 and hit 53 runs, for man-of-the-match, as he was well supported by Bishop (45). In the second match, Marsa took revenge as they piled on 326 for 2 in their 40 overs with A.Spiteri carrying his bat for 126 not out. He was supported by Callus (77) and Caruana (75*) and then proceeded to take 3 for 26 to make him man-of-the-match.

Next week sees the last of the pre-season touring sides when Milton CC visit Malta.