On Wednesday, the Llamas welcomed the MCC to Park Lane and enjoyed a comfortable victory by 7 wickets. The visitors included some familiar faces in their XI and the Llamas some unfamiliar faces in theirs.

George Ealham captained the Llamas, who in keeping with tradition invited the MCC to bat first. Opening bowlers Archie Ramanathan (8-3-12-2) and Hugo Cooper-Fogarty (8-2-18-1) set the tone for the innings with accurate opening spells. Top-scorer David Gent looked comfortable for his 40, before he tried to hit Michael Munday’s leg-spin into the Blue Anchor and was stumped by Rory Haughton. Richard Stevens, batting at 4, holed out for 11 on the legside boundary from another tempting Munday offering to a good running catch from Massimo Campanale. This epitomised a clinical display in the field from the Llamas, led by overseas guest pro Basha Sodomaco.

Will Irving made an unusually subdued 22 from 52 balls and MCC skipper Jon Smith, formerly a successful captain of RPCC 2nd XI, made 19.

Reigate used 10 bowlers with the wickets shared, including keeper Rory Haughton whose introduction as a declaration bowler back-fired as he landed his wrist-spinners perfectly to take a wicket and expedite the conclusion of the MCC innings at 153 all out

In reply, the Llamas made a breezy start with Seth McDowall (22) and Advaith Bali (28) opening up. Both fell hooking well-directed short-pitched deliveries which brought number 4 George Ealham to the crease. George played the most accomplished innings of the day, making 67 not out at better than a run-a-ball. He took a particular liking to the right-arm slow-medium deliveries of Steven Hirst, the ball leaving the bat at a significantly faster pace than it arrived as the residents of West Street gardens were forced to take cover.

A flurry of boundaries took the Llamas to victory in only 28.2 overs for the loss of 3 wickets in a game played in good weather and in good spirits.