COTSWOLD School held the MCC to a draw at Bourton Vale Cricket Club.

The MCC team was made up of minor county and national league players, along with former England test captain Mike Gatting, the last England skipper to win the Ashes on Australian soil. The MCC won the toss and elected to bat first on a hard pitch that looked good for batting.

The tourists started cautiously, thanks to some fast bowling from Harry Whitworth (2-58), but the MCC soon started to get on top thanks to M Brlers (56) and I Mulholland (57).

J Stevens (2-24) then impressed by taking two wickets which brought Gatting to the crease. However, he was soon removed, caught and bowled by E Binns (2-78) for only nine, silencing the ground just before lunch.

The MCC then put on some quick fire runs before A Jess (1-9) removed N Hodgins for 40, which led the MCC to declare on 232-7. The Cotswold School had a difficult 45 minutes to bat until tea, but managed to do so without losing a wicket.

After tea the runs started to flow but when C Miles was bowled by Gatting (2-30) the team started to wobble.

Number three Williams-Ellis went quickly again to Gatting, bringing J McPhilimey to the crease to join captain C Garratt, who played with fine timing.

The pair batted well until Garratt attempted one big hit too many and hauled out for an excellent 81, leaving the Cotswolds in a healthy position.

Opening bowler H Whitworth joined McPhilimey and the pair smashed their way through the MCC attack with Whitworth quickly passing 50.

McPhilimey fell just short of his 50 and some late hitting from J Macklin almost saw the Cotswold’s home but ended up four runs short.

The match was part of the school’s inaugural cricket week to reward players for their contribution to the school.

The school are regular finalists and winners of the County Cup and more than 100 youngsters have played competitive cricket for this year. The MCC fixture allows the school to build community links and the first XI is looking to incorporate matches against local village sides and to develop links with clubs.

A spokesman said: “This day ensures that the spirit of cricket, its teamwork, sportsmanship and values are passed onto our outstanding youngsters.”