TWO top women cricketers took part in a mini-Ashes tournament at a York school as a surprise 50th birthday treat for its cricket-mad head teacher.

Jonathan Green, head of Archbishop of York’s CE Junior School in Bishopthorpe, was stunned when Yorkshire captain and England player Lauren Winfield and Yorkshire wicket-keeper and Australian international Beth Mooney turned up yesterday.

The pair joined two scratch teams of adults in a mini England -v- Australia Ashes tournament to celebrate Mr Green’s landmark birthday, which was won, appropriately enough, by his team England with a score of 50 against Australia’s 46.

The match, watched by all the children, was followed by a cricket tea. The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, also turned up and presented Mr Green with a bottle of champagne. Deputy head Sally Sutton, who organised the event, said Mr Green had been kept completely in the dark about what was happening until he saw Lauren and Beth.

“He was totally amazed,” she said. “It has been an absolutely fabulous day, and something he deserved.

"He is a great leader and is hugely respected by everyone at the school.”

Office manager Vivienne McCartney said: “We would to thank Lauren and Beth and all the staff at the school for making this a fantastic event and wish Jonathan a very happy 50th birthday.”

She added that the tournament came after the school had recently been awarded the York Active School of the Year award.

“This marks the school’s commitment to give the children numerous sporting opportunities and recognises all that children, parents, community members, outside providers and teachers do to provide an amazing variety of clubs,” she said.

“It is fair to say that nearly 100 per cent of AYJS children take part in a least one school sports activity.”