It’s 49 years not out for the annual Brooksbottom Boxing Day cricket match.

Tottington St Johns will once again provide the opposition, with both sides hoping that the cricketing – and weather – gods will shine on the event.

This year is Tottington’s turn to host the match, which will be played on a specially-laid artificial pitch at the club’s Crompton Meadows ground.

“We can play the match in all weather, but, if it snows, the first problem we have is finding the pitch,” says Kieran Coe, Tottington’s club development officer.

“In 2009, six inches of snow fell before the match and we had to dig the pitch out, but it will take a lot more than a bit of bad weather to stop us.”

Tottington and the Summerseat club have faced each other every Boxing Day since 2006, playing home and away on alternate years. Brooksbottom currently lead the series 3-2. Before that, the annual charity match was contested between Brooksbottom and Bolton Road Methodist.

The teams competed for the Brian Statham Cup in the very first fixture in 1963, which was introduced in honour of the former Lancashire and England fast bowler. Brooksbottom and Tottington now do battle for the Nat West Trophy, but the spirit of the competition remains the same.

“The event has only ever fallen victim to the weather once, when heavy fog forced the match to be cancelled, but the players returned the following day to complete the match,” said David Brown, spokesman for Brooksbottom Cricket Club.

“The cricketers of the North West are nothing if not hardy souls and it takes more than a heavy downpour or a few inches of snow to force them into submission.”

The cricket match has increased in popularity over recent years, with lots of media attention. The highlights have even featured on Sky Sports News.

Spectators are welcome to attend, whatever the weather. The match, at Crompton Meadows, off Beryl Avenue, in Tottington, is due to start at 11am.

The Fusilliers Band will also be making an appearance to play Christmas carols. There will also be mulled wine, pies and soup available, as well as a full bar and soft drinks.

Programmes, priced £1.50, will be available to buy and all purchases will guarantee entry to a raffle.