Boxing Day Cricket a Huge Success! [Boxing Day home]

Our annual Boxing Day clash against Brooksbottom CC was hosted for the first time at Crompton Meadows among unprecedented scenes of snow and fog, then blue skies and gorgeous conditions. To get us all in the festive and competitive spirit, Andy Walker somehow managed to get us a mention on BBC Radio Five Live. Sadly the interview is no longer available to listen to but it was highly entertaining and gave us a big boost before the match.

The event itself was a huge success. Thanks to some terrific organisation since October by the likes of Scott, Kieran and Duncan, and a great deal of hard work to get the club and ground fit to play during the previous week, the match took place in super conditions on the new artificial wicket. Having won the toss, Ash inserted the Brox boys, and from ball 1 it became clear this was not going to be a game featuring many quick singles - the only way to go was aerial! With an early smattering of supporters in attendance, Brox lost early wickets, with Doc P, Duncan, Nelly and Matt all striking early. There was some pretty miserly bowling, with Asif going for just 4 runs in his 2 overs at the top order - impressive stuff!

10 overs in and the comedy moment of the day arrived. Having already been pelted with snowballs on his way to the crease, former Totts boy Cotters was at the wicket. Just when it couldn't be any more idyllic with the snow, the blue skies and the festive ambience, the band started to play their first festive carol ... and within 15 seconds they were ducking for cover as Cotters mashed the ball directly at them. Much hilarity ensued!

Despite a few lusty blows from Eastwood, who ended with a gallant 36, Brox were only able to muster 84 in their 20 overs, but in those conditions, would that prove to be a winning total? As the players took a well-earned break for beer, mulled wine, pies and soup, the talk was not only about the cricket but also about the facilities, catering, the chance to see returning friends, and much more festive spirit.

The crowd had swelled to around the 200 mark by the time Totts took the field. Despite the early loss of Asif, Doc and skipper Ash took control - a couple of lusty 6s got Totts on the way, and after Doc departed, Ashley skilfully marshalled the side and led the way to victory with a magnificent 44 not out. He also somehow managed to club a 4 across the snow, but we won't hold Pete Allen to his assertation that he would "bare his backside" if anyone hit a 4! The winning runs arrived with just 5 wickets down and several overs to spare, as Totington regained the trophy won by Brox last year.

The game was played in a great spirit, and all the lads and spectators thoroughly enjoyed the day. Check out our gallery of photos to see all the action (thanks to Doc, Mike A, Andy and Nick F for the images).

The raffle draw also took place, with the following winning tickets:
Holiday - 720
Meals - 819, 1012
Wine/bottles - 1025, 628, 668, 741, 467, 148, 156, 422, 278

If all that wasn't enough, we also got a mention on Test Match Special, with Aggers and Vic Marks mentioning the game, and then the BBC website showing a photo from the match in progress - you can see the online commentary here: