Tower Hamlets celebrated the 11th anniversary of their district cricket programme with a special friendly match against the MCC.

Almost 500 runs were scored as the match went down to the last ball, with the MCC winning by six runs.

Chris Willetts, of the Tower Hamlets Youth Sports Foundation, said: “About ten years ago we set up a programme to create pathways and give kids who don’t always have the support network to forge a cricketing career.

“That’s what I’m most proud of. Most may not sustain a career at the higher levels of cricket but there are many positives they have gained out of playing cricket like structure, discipline and enjoyment – of which they are getting plenty at the moment.

“The focus is to get young people involved, enjoying and progressing. The programme is beginning to sustain itself and we have players who are now going into schools to deliver programmes. Thanks to Blackheath Cricket Club, the players, elected officials for the great support throughout.”

Skipper Arfan Akram, on behalf of the MCC, thanked all involved and added: “The perception the MCC promotes as part of the spirit of cricket is so important. The chats around the ground, at lunch, tea time, on and off the field are hugely important in what we are trying to achieve in terms of our wider interaction with each other.

“The ECB have launched the new South Asian plan and there are amazing opportunities in place to be taken advantage of. I beleive this is my last game as captain and I’ve enjoyed the experience thoroughly.”

The Tower Hamlets District team, coached by Abdal Ahmed, included: Mahi Mahfuzul (Swanlea/Morpeth), Jahed Miah, Kamrul Islam (both Green Spring Academy), Arif Ahmed (Bow), Mahfuzur Rahman, Emon Uddin, Abul Hasnat, Fahik Huda, Kawsar Ahmed (all Stepney Green), Basit Ahmed (St Paul’s Way), Zihad Hussain (Swanlea), Rahat Dewan (East London Science School), Abutahid Dulal (London Enterprise Academy), Sium Islam (Sir John Cass).