Bologna continue to dominate Italy's European Incoming Services Cup
Tony Munro - 21 May 1999

The third and fourth rounds of the Italy's European Incoming Services Cup have confirmed the trends of the opening two: Bolognese domination in the north and great uncertainty in the south.

Murri Catania registered a double defeat in their two visits to Rome. However, the Sicilian team came out with great dignity from the games. At Capannelle the margin was only one wicket with the home side needing all the experience of former Italian international Filippo Zito (12 not out) to achieve a winning score of 88 that looked beyond their reach at 81/9.In turn the Roman team not hosting Murri travelled to Grosseto to face Maremma: both lost to the Tuscans for whom Sampath scored 91 in both matches. This means that all four teams in the group have a 50% record with seven wins out of eight going to the home team, Murri's victory at Grosseto being the only exception. Everything is wide open with only two games left. Table after four rounds: Lazio 49, Capannelle 46, Murri 43,Maremma 41.

Everything according to expectations in the Northern group. The two Bolognese teams record easy wins in Catania against Galatea, both times nine wickets being the margin, whilst the one side playing home disposed of Trentino who is confirming the early season predictions of having players whose reputation is superior to their ability. Champions Pianoro are mathematically through and Bologna nearly. Sunday the two teams play each other in a repeat of last year's final, maybe a dress rehearsal of the one to come. Table after 4 rounds: Pianoro 78, Bologna 62, Trentino 30, Galatea 6."