CRACKING a century at Lord's is the stuff of dreams for most cricketers and it's become a reality for Monmouth School's Jeremy Lawlor at the age of 17, writes Chris Kirwan.

The all-rounder, who plays his club cricket for Newport and has featured for Glamorgan seconds this season, was captaining MCC Schools against English Schools Cricket Association at the home of cricket.

Lawlor won the toss and had no hesitation in electing to bat first in the 50-over match.

The ESCA struck twice early on to reduce the MCC youngsters to 28-2 but Lawlor and Jack Mynott joined forces for a 148-run partnership.

Batting at four, Lawlor made 119 off 124 balls, including three sixes, to help his side post 262-7.

Unfortunately his heroics weren't enough to secure victory with ESCA winning by six wickets, crossing the line with 26 balls to spare.

The MCC Schools side is comprised of boys picked for outstanding performances against MCC in the 280 school matches the club played this summer. The ESCA team was selected from the best performances at the 2012 Bunbury ESCA under-15s festival.

MCC head of cricket John Stephenson said: "From the standard that was on show today, it is clear that there is a wealth of exciting young talent coming through the ranks.

"Jeremy played exceptionally well today and really led from the front; I hope he enjoyed the experience.

"Playing at Lord's for the first time is a very special feeling, and I very much look forward to welcoming back many of the players from the match in the years to come, when they are here to play Test and first-class cricket."