The game was played under ICC one day international match rules and for the first time, the team had to deal with power plays and free hits.
Italy A batted first in damp conditions and found the pace of George Brooksbank difficult to cope with, while the left handed paceman found the matting pitch something of a trial Rob Woods bowled with his usual economy and made the first breakthrough with two wickets. Not to be outdone Brooksbank came back with a hat trick and Italy A were in trouble at 25-5. The pressure from the MCC bowlers was unrelenting with the captain and Nick Fielden both chipping in with a couple of wickets. The home side made it to 97 all out, but with many overs unused.
Mike Sutliff and Kevin Barrett opened the batting and Sutliff took an immediate liking to the home team's bowling, plundering 20 runs from one over, which included a towering straight six from a free hit. Sutliff went to an ill-advised call for a quick single, but by that time the Club was in an unassailable position.
The MCC won their 4th game of the tour by 6 wickets and remain unbeaten.
The players changed in a nearby hotel and spent the rest of the afternoon watching the Ryder Cup at a local cafe. In the evening we enjoyed a meal with the Italy A side before taking the coach back.
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