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maltatoday WEDNESDAY 10 JANUARY 2018 21 CRICKET Spirit of cricket shines through Tape Ball League in Malta THE Malta Tape Ball Cricket League brought together over 150 players and supporters from many different back- grounds and has helped forge friendships between local cricketers of all races. This initiative is testimony that individuals from different backgrounds and with differ- ent life experiences can work together toward one common goal. The Tape Ball Cricket pro- ject is aimed at introducing the game of cricket to many play- ers who would never otherwise have had the chance to play in Malta, reflecting the Malta Cricket Association's values and commitment to fairness and inclusion. What is "Tape Ball"? Tape Ball Cricket is a fast and frenetic version of the game, that does away with the need for protective equipment and long hours waiting to bat or bowl. The game takes its name from the tennis ball wrapped in elec- trical tape that it's played with. The tape makes it behave more like a cricket ball, but without the potential for bruising. MALTA TAPE BALL CRICKET LEAGUE – FINALS DAY It was a landmark weekend for Malta Cricket as Boom Boom 7 were crowned inaugural win- ners of the Malta Tape Ball Cricket League. They defeated a gallant Super Kings in the final by 3 wickets. Earlier, both teams won their semi-finals with nar- row victories over 7 Stars and Friends CC respectively. Malta Cricket Chairman Paul Bradley and Tournament Organiser Niraj Khanna pre- sented commemorative medals to the winners and runners-up teams. The Player of the Final went to Waseem Abbas with 37 runs, whilst the Players of the Tournament were Azeem Sethy (Bowler of 7 Stars) and Basil George (Batsman of Su- per Kings). This concluded the first edi- tion of the tournament which saw an impressive 16 teams competing at both the Malta University Sports Ground and the iconic Marsa Oval. During December, we saw a Maltese record when more than 100 players took part on the same day in cricket matches at the two different grounds. No oth- er nation in Europe can boast the ability to provide this level of outdoor cricket in the winter months. The Malta Cricket Associa- tion would like to convey their sincere thanks to the following organisations for their coop- eration in making this tourna- ment such an overwhelming success: the Malta Olympic Committee, Sport Malta, the Institute of Physical Educa- tion and Sport, the University of Malta and the Marsa Sports and Country Club. In 2018, the Malta Cricket Association is committed to organising another Tape Ball League alongside the "Malta Tape Ball Mini World Cup" with 8 nations represented by locally-based players. For more information please email at maltacricket@yahoo. co.uk Malta Tape Ball Champions - Boom Boom 7 Malta Tape Ball Runners Up - Super Kings Malta Cricket Chairman Paul Bradley presents the League's Batting Award to Basil George Malta Tape Ball Cricket League - Basil George (Batting Award - Super Kings) Malta International player Niraj Khanna presents the League's Bowling Award to Azeem Sethy Action during Sunday's Finals Day at the Marsa Sports Club