IN the scheme of things, a postponed Boxing Day cricket match was the least of the local concerns last year when Storm Eva wreaked havoc in the area.

Local landmarks were washed away, along with many homeowners' festive spirit, while Ramsbottom's football and cricket clubs were left facing a mammoth clear-up operation.

The flooding that devastated those two clubs was a far sight worse than players at Tottington St Johns faced before their annual match against Brooksbottom was begrudgingly called off.

But the loss of a traditional fixture that has become as much a part of Christmas in these parts as turkey and the trimmings was still keenly felt on both sides.

The friendly rivalry was eventually resumed on Good Friday, when Brooksbottom claimed the bragging rights.

Yet all involved will attest that the spring meeting was not quite the same.

And Brox chairman Richard Ernill is keen to ensure that, barring another biblical downpour, a little bit of weather will not turn their St Stephen's Day shown down into a damp squib again.

He said: "Fingers crossed we will have no repeat of last year.

"As far as I know, it was the only time the game has ever been delayed (until Easter).

"There was one time in the 60s when the game was postponed because of fog, but it ended up being played the day after.

"But the water was literally shin deep on the square at Tottington.

"We probably could have played it at Brooksbottom instead but it would have ruined the square so perhaps it was as well that we didn't."

The traditional fixture started in the early 1960s, when it was originally played between Brooksbottom and Bolton Road, which later became Elton Vale.

Tottington St Johns stepped in eight years ago and the two clubs have built up a healthy rivalry since then, with each club taking it in turns hosting the match.

Brox will be hoping to add another victory in the Twenty 20 format, with the only diversion from the normal rules of cricket being every player, barring the wicketkeeper, has to bowl two overs.

Their Good Friday victory stretched Brox's lead in the series to 5-3.

And Ernill joked they will be taking the match as serious as ever in a bid to increase their advantage.

"We will be flying in from a training camp in Dubai on the morning of the game, so we should be focused and ready," he said.

"Not really, I doubt any member of either team will have picked up a bat since the end of last season.

"But that's not to say we don't take it seriously. We all want to win and will be trying our hardest – it's not comedy cricket.

"Let's put it this way, we never have any problem raising a team and will have a good mix of youth and experience this year.

"The players love playing in it, mainly because of the atmosphere.

"If the rain holds off we can get up to 300 spectators.

"A lot of people come along who you would never see at the club on a Saturday during the season.

"It is a good excuse for people to get out of the house after spending Christmas Day cooped up inside.

"There is hot food, hot wine - it just continues that festive feeling, especially if it snows!"

Fingers crossed Richard, fingers crossed.