Ross Bryans produced a magnificent unbeaten century as MCC XI and Ulster Schools XI played out an entertaining draw in their timed match at the Castle Grounds.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, MCC found themselves in early trouble as Mark Robinson removed Rizwan Alam and Mohit Sane to leave the tourists struggling at 26 for 2. When Evan Williams and Ryan Hunter departed, MCC were wobbling at 62 for 4 and in need of a rescue act.

It arrived in emphatic fashion from Bryans and Jonathan Steele, who shared an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership worth 158. Bryans was the dominant force, smashing 114 not out from 111 balls, an innings featuring 12 fours and six sixes. The powerful right-hander reached his century from just 98 deliveries and continued to accelerate as MCC piled on the runs.

Steele played the perfect supporting role, finishing unbeaten on 55 from 78 balls, including five fours and a six. Their stand carried MCC to 220 for 4 declared from 45 overs.

Robinson was the pick of the Schools bowlers with 2 for 31, while Lucas McKeown claimed the other wicket.

Ulster Schools faced a testing final session but responded with determination. Opener Jack Smyth retired unbeaten on 18 after helping establish a solid platform before MCC's bowlers began to chip away.

Mohit Sane was particularly impressive, taking 2 for 13 from eight economical overs, while Evan Williams, Roger Bolstridge, Richard Simpson and Adam Potter each picked up a wicket.

At 74 for 5, the Schools were under pressure, but Jacob McClure-Dalzell and Daniel Rayner ensured there would be no dramatic collapse. McClure-Dalzell struck 43 from 49 balls, including four fours and a six, while Rayner remained unbeaten on 36.

Their resistance helped Ulster Schools close on 141 for 6 from 37 overs, securing a creditable draw. While Bryans' superb century was the standout individual performance, both sides could take plenty of positives from a competitive contest played in excellent spirit.

SCORECARD

MCC XI 
Ryan Hunter run out (J McClure-Dalzell) 23
Rizwan Alam b Mark Robinson 0
Mohit Sane b Mark Robinson 17
Evan Williams c Daniel Rayner b Lucas McKeown 2
Ross Bryans not out 114
Jonathan Steele  not out  55
Harrison Charles did not bat    
Roger Bolstridge did not bat    
Richard Simpson  did not bat    
James Colin Magowan did not bat    
Adam Potter did not bat    
Extras: 9 (lb 6, w 2, nb 1)
Total: 220-4 declared (45 overs)

Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-26, 3-34, 4-62

Bowling:Mark Robinson 9-1-31-2, Lucas McKeown 7-1-39-1, Evan Carlisle 8-0-32-0, Luke Crothers 7-2-20-0
Jacob McClure-Dalzell 8-0-45-0, Matthew Kennedy 5-0-31-0, Daniel Rayner 1-0-16-0.

Ulster Schools XI 
James Shields c Mohit Sane b Evan Williams 9
Jack Smyth retired not out 18
Jay Parkhill b Mohit Sane 9
Elijah Harte b Roger Bolstridge    5
Lucas McKeown c Evan Williams b Richard Simpson    5
Jacob McClure-Dalzell b Adam Potter 43
Marko Bates b Mohit Sane 4
Daniel Rayner not out 36
Mark Robinson not out 0
Luke Crothers did not bat    
Matthew Kennedy    did not bat    
Extras: 12 (b 3, lb 2, w 5, nb 2)
Total: 141-6 (37 overs)

Fall of wickets: 11, 40* (Smyth retired), 50, 50, 65, 74, 118

Bowling: Evan Williams 6-0-11-1, Harrison Charles 4-1-24-0, Mohit Sane 8-2-13-2, Roger Bolstridge 4-0-15-1
Richard Simpson 3-0-19-1, James Colin Magowan 6-0-27-0, Adam Potter 4-0-17-1, James Hunter 2-1-10-0

Match Result
MCC XI 220-4 declared drew with Ulster Schools XI 141-6

Player of the Match: Ross Bryans (114* off 111 balls, 12 fours, 6 sixes).