An historic match between a Maghull XI and an MCC XI
Maghull Cricket Club’s centenary year celebrations continue at pace, and last Wednesday saw one of the jewels in the crown for the 2026 season. A team from the famous Marylebone Cricket Club, the MCC, took on a Maghull XI at Hall Lane.
Unpromising Beginning
The outlook was grim first thing in the morning, with heavy rain and dark clouds filling the sky around Hall Lane. But as 10 am came and went, the rain abated. The sky turned a curious shade of blue – not a common sight over the last few weeks. The ground had held up to the aquatic onslaught magnificently, and the game would start on time.
The Two Sides
The MCC side contained several prominent names known to local cricket fans. LDCC stalwarts like David Snellgrove of Southport and Birkdale, James Cole of Northern, and Matt Jackson of Liverpool were in the lineup. The bowling attack would be led by James Dixon, an England Men’s Deaf and Mixed Disability international. James took 5-11 against India in the Mixed Disability series last summer. Maghull were captained by Director of Cricket Paul McKenna. His side included another former 1st XI skipper in Jon Ring, former 2nd XI captain James Stanley, and current 2nd and 4th XI captains Joe Cunningham and Neil Dutton. The 1st XI was also represented by overseas player Zack Benton and Harry Beddard. While youngster Lewis McDonald also made the cut. MCC scorer St. John Pilkington was on hand to score at his 302nd unique ground for the club. Umpiring the game was Alastair Davies, and Maghull’s own Craig Parkinson
Visitors Bat First
The visiting MCC side elected to bat first in a 40-over a side game (reduced to 35 when the rains brought about a temporary interruption to play). They found the going hard against good, tight bowling. They were eventually dismissed for 127.
Benton claimed 3-26 from his 6.5 overs, while Stanley and McDonald each took two wickets. Cole top scored with 32 from 40 deliveries before falling to McDonald. Snellgrove showed his class with an unbeaten 31.
The Run Chase
After a break that contained an actual cricket tea – a rarity in our post Covid cricketing world – Maghull set about chasing down the victory total. They managed to achieve this for the loss of two wickets.
Ring led the way with 72 from 66 deliveries. Dixon finished with 1-12 from his four overs. There was also a wicket for Fisher, who picked up Ring’s wicket just before the winning runs were hit.
Post Match
In a presentation after the game, MCC Match Manager Alan Murray gave a short speech, thanking Maghull for their hospitality and congratulating the club on our centenary. He presented Paul McKenna with a commemorative shield marking the occasion. This will be displayed at the club to mark the event.
Maghull president Mike Hagan also gave a short speech, thanking the MCC for the honour of visiting us. He also acknowledged the efforts of Rob Morris in securing the fixture for the club. Mike highlighted all the good they do for cricket globally, and thanked them for making a personal dream a reality.
About the MCC
Marylebone Cricket Club was founded in 1787, taking as its home a cricket ground set up by Thomas Lord. They moved to a ground in St John’s Wood in 1814, the ground still bearing the name of the landlord and remaining the home of the MCC to this day. A private members club, the MCC boasts over 18,000 full members and more than 6,000 associates. These Members own the Ground at Lords and all of MCC’s assets (the most famous of which is the Ashes Urn).
The MCC’S most important role is its custodianship of the laws – not rules, LAWS – of cricket. This is a role it has held since its inception, and a role it takes very seriously. But the MCC also plays an active role in promoting cricket all over the world, from established centres of the game to places like refugee camps. MCC is committed to being an independent and influential voice in cricket, striving to be the finest cricket club and growing the game at home and abroad.
