Harlow fielded an Invitational XI comprising of many of the current First XI plus several former players who had played with distinction for the club. The MCC were represented by many high quality cricketers, the majority currently playing in ECB Premier Divisions, some four divisions above Harlow's current league position.

The MCC batted first and got off to a blistering start courtesy of openers Cam Tredgett (Hutton CC) and Joe Hawkins (Bishops Stortford CC). With a little over 6 overs bowled they had flayed the bowling to all parts, with the scoreboard rattling along to the tune of 71-0. It took Harlow's brothers, Joe and Andre Riddell, to combine to see off Hawkins for 25 before without a further run being added Nathan Khelawon completed a superb caught and bowled to remove the outstanding Tredgett who had blazed his was to 40 from just 25 balls.

Harlow introduced the spin of Matt Fisk at one end to compliment the impressive Khelawon and the score rate became under control for the first time. Fisk struck twice with his bowling and then produced an excellent direct hit to run out MCC batter Arshad for 19.

Wickets continued to fall from this point at regular intervals as guest player Prof. Sullivan added his tight spin to the mix claiming a brace himself. The MCC attempted to regroup through skipper Eddie Ballard (Brentwood CC) who had made a Premier Division unbeaten century at the weekend but a moment of brilliance in the field turned the game Harlow's way. Youngster George Jessey floated a delivery up to Ballard who struck it beautifully only for 15 year old james Mitchell to take an outstanding catch at long off, diving full length.

The MCC closed their innings shortly afterwards having totalled 195 all out.

Joe Riddell (1-35), Abi Farooq (1-42), Nathan Khelawon (1-28), Matt Fisk (2-34), Prof Sullivan (2-28), James Mitchell (1-4) and George Jessey (1-15).

Harlow were delighted with their efforts in the field with some outstanding fielding (skipper Garner also completing an outstanding low catch) and having looked at one point to maybe looking at chasing 400 their efforts ensured a realistic chance of achieving a shock victory.

A good start with the bat was imperative and Harlow got exactly that as the returning Ben Yeats and Harlow prodigy James Mitchell saw off the new ball, and more, to add 83 for the first wicket before Yeats fell LBW for 35. Mitchell was then joined by former Harlow captain Rehman Ahmed and they cemented the hosts position adding 41 for the second wicket during which time young James reached an outstanding and well deserved half century. He fell for 55 having played the far more experienced spinners in particular with a high degree of skill.

Rehman batted with all the class Harlow supporters would expect from such a talented player including his trademark lofted drive over extra cover but he perished for 32 which began a brief spell where the MCC dominated claiming a further two wickets. At 153-5 nerves may have started jangling but Tom Garner (30*) and Abi Farooq (21*) comfortably saw the game to a successful conclusion to achieve an outstanding win.

The match was played in front of a bumper crowd who like the players enjoyed an outstanding dinner. The gracious MCC captain presented club President, Alan Howick, with an commemorative MCC shield to mark the 250th anniversary and as shadows lengthened the club was still buzzing with cricket chat as old friends and teammates caught up. Huge credit to the MCC side who also stayed and were outstanding representatives of their great cricketing institution.

It is a mark of the club that the returning players were united in expressing the view that it felt like they had come home when playing at Marigolds. MCC official and umpire Barry Toombs added that Harlow have the facilities and support to rival any Premier Division side.

Finally, huge thanks to all the ground staff, organisers, committee, Club President, umpires, catering and bar staff and other helpers of whom there were many. Your efforts made a wonderful day and no doubt this game will be woven into the history of the club in future years and hopefully recounted on prestigious future anniversaries.

In the words of the more mature supporters who sit beside the score box. 'Come on Harlow!!!'.