Marsa Sports Club welcomed Captain Scott Invitation XI for a memorable weekend of cricket on 24 and 25 October, combining competitive action with friendship, sportsmanship and a few very special moments both on and off the field.
The visit also marked the introduction of a new piece of cricketing history: the Reilly Thompson Tour Trophy.
Ahead of the opening match, the Reilly Thompson Tour Trophy was unveiled during a special pre-match ceremony.
The trophy had been kept a surprise until match day, adding to the occasion for players and everyone involved in the weekend.
By the end of the tour, Sundreams – Marsa Cricket Section had earned the honour of becoming the inaugural winners and first holders of the trophy following two victories over Captain Scott Invitation XI.
Sundreams produced a strong performance in the opening 40-over match, posting 226/6 before restricting Captain Scott Invitation XI to 181 all out in 38.2 overs.
Sundreams won by 45 runs.
Among the standout performances were:
One of the memorable individual stories of the match came from MSC member Chris Belford, who, at 75 years of age, took two wickets — a fantastic reminder that cricket truly is a game for all ages.
Captain Scott Invitation XI’s Daniel Watson was also recognised as Man of the Match after an excellent all-round performance. Watson took 2 wickets for just 11 runs from his eight overs and was also his team’s leading performer with the bat, scoring 47 runs.
Sundreams followed up their opening victory with an even more emphatic performance the following day.
Batting first, they reached 238/7 from their 40 overs, before bowling Captain Scott Invitation XI out for 148 in 28.3 overs.
Sundreams won by 90 runs.
Leading performances included:
The result completed a clean sweep for Sundreams and secured Marsa Sports Club’s place in history as the first name to be associated with the new Reilly Thompson Tour Trophy.
The weekend was about much more than the scorecards.
During the visit, Johnny Grima was presented with a book written by the founder of Captain Scott Invitation XI in recognition of the Spirit of Cricket, another fitting moment during a tour built around friendship and the traditions of the game.
These exchanges are an important part of touring cricket, creating relationships between clubs and players that extend well beyond the boundary.
Marsa Sports Club was delighted to host Captain Scott Invitation XI and thanks everyone involved in making the visit such an enjoyable occasion.
The Reilly Thompson Tour Trophy may be new, but it already has its first chapter written.
Two matches. Two victories. One trophy. History made at Marsa.
