TALENTED cricketers at a Colwyn Bay school welcomed one of the most storied sides in the country for a prestigious annual fixture.

Rydal Penrhos’ first XI took on Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) on Wednesday, May 2, in a fixture that dates back more than nine decades between the two teams.

After the away side got themselves into bat, they posted a target of 181-4 from their 36 overs at the crease, with the duo of Jack Jones and opening bowler Rafeez Mortuza taking one wicket apiece.

Another to claim a scalp was Year 7 pupil Arran Sen, who was making his first team debut despite his tender age, while Joe Gardener also bowled consistently without managing to claim a wicket.

Despite a valiant effort, the school side were unable to replicate this performance with the bat, with only Henry Maitland-Davies (21) and Gardener (19) managing to make it into double figures as they fell to defeat.

Lancashire youth squad member Arran was presented with the annual Spirit of Cricket Award for his bowling performance with his controlled variety of wrist spin, in addition to his short but accomplished innings.

Head of Cricket Mike Leach, said: “This is always such a fantastic fixture to be involved with and it was another superb experience for each player involved.

“All of them performed very well in the face of some very stern and experienced competition, and this can give them plenty of encouragement ahead of a busy term of fixtures.”