Marsa took on Krishna in a match from the MCA Winter League last weekend that brought to a close the first round.

Marsa, the league leaders, won the toss and elected to field. Dave Borg and Simon Mayeri opened the batting for Krishna.

Borg was first to go, scoring six runs from five balls before being bowled. Mayeri went on to make 16 before being caught.

Joy Ghoseroy played the longest innings for his team, retiring after 30 balls and returning towards the end of the innings.

He top-scored with 25 runs. Justin Thorne added 18 before he was out LBW and Andy Lenard scored 24 runs as Krishna were bowled out for 122 runs.

For Marsa, an excellent over from Ronnie Sacco earned him four wickets from four balls which is a first in any league game in Malta.

Frank Spiteri and Mark G. Sacco opened the batting in Marsa’s reply.

Sacco was out to the first ball he faced. From that point onwards, it was all downhill for the team that had toppled the holders the previous week.

Only Spiteri managed to make it into double figures, scoring 16 runs. In all, there were five ducks in the innings and three other scores under five runs. Marsa were bowled out for 48 runs.

Here, one must mention the great catch taken by John Rusher to dismiss a potential match-winner in Ronnie Sacco.

Rusher had to run forward and then dive to take the catch. Sacco watched in dismay while the Krishna team celebrated.

For Krishna, Justin Thorne took four wickets.

Despite the loss, Marsa held on to first place with 12 points. Melita Betfair are second with nine and Krishna third, also with nine points.

Next Saturday, Malta Select play Combined XI in the second match from the series, starting at 10 a.m.