BOXING Day cricket returns to Crompton Meadows this year when Tottington St John's host the annual showdown with Brooksbottom.

The festive clash has been a fixture in the local cricketing calender since 1963, when initially a team from Bolton Road and Brox first braved the freezing temperatures, complete with accompanying tinsel and Santa hats.

Tottington St John's were invited to take over the reins from Bolton Road (now Elton Vale) in 2006 when they were no longer able to fulfill the date and the two teams have been locking horns since then.

Every year, 22 hardy cricketers and two hardier umpires have taken to the field in snow, rain, hail, fog, mud – everything and anything the great British winter could possibly throw at them.

And this year is no exception.

The game will start at 11am and there will be a warm and festive welcome to everyone with a full bar, pies and seasonal refreshments.

Programmes are available to purchase, which gain entry into a prize draw as well as provide updated information about the two clubs.

The game also marks the grand opening of the new first-floor changing facility and pavilion extension at St John’s Crompton Meadows ground, which is off Beryl Avenue in Tottington.

"Tottington will be hoping for a turnaround as recent results have favoured the mighty Brox," said Kieron Coe, of Tottington St John's.

"This is a very exciting time for the club as it enters the Greater Manchester Cricket League in its first year.

"It is also developing its junior cricket section, for both boys and girls, and will be running a women’s team for the second year."

The teams will battle for honour and to win the Brian Statham Trophy, initially sponsored by the former Lancashire and England fast bowler himself.

Coe added: "In recent times, media interest has surged. In addition to coverage in the Bury Times, the game has been mentioned on Test Match Special, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC North West news and match action has been shown on Sky Sports and the BBC.

"We urge any cricket lover, friend, family member or any lover of the absurd to come down and watch the players partake in this most entertaining Boxing Day tradition – you are assured of a warm welcome, a decent pint and very friendly company."

Further information about recent club developments, its history and the Boxing Day game are available online at www.tsjcc.co.uk.