AFTER a 12-month interval the Brian Statham Cup returned to Brooksbottoms after a convincing nine wicket victory over their annual Boxing Day opponents Bolton Road.

The weather of the 39th encounter was bright, sunny, two degrees below zero and not fit to turn a dog out!

But the 22 whites-clad cricketers, along with umpires Graham Wright and David Pope, braved the biting wind and frozen playing conditions to serve an entertaining confrontation for the shivering spectators.

Bolton Road batted first and at the end of their allotted 20 overs had run up a reasonable 115 for 6.

But after an early loss the villagers made light of the visitors score and skated home to a comfortable win in the 19th over with 'A team' partnership Simon Armsbey and Mark Ashcroft sharing an unbroken century stand.

Bolton Road skipper "Zube" Dadabhoy, after top scoring for his side with 20 sparkling runs, was also inspirational with both the ball and with the wicketkeeper's gloves but despite his valiant efforts he had to admit after the game "the better side won on the day".

The umpires had little difficulty in naming Brooksbottoms' Simon Armsbey as Man of the Match for his superb innings of 60 not out and 1 for 14 with the ball.

Special mention was also made of Mark Ashcroft's undefeated 33 which helped guide the home team to victory.

If the crowd had a say in the matter both umpires would have shared the award for their two and a half hour sojourn on the frozen combat zone. Captain Scott would certainly have appreciated their gallant display.

Next year the match is due to be played at the new Bolton Road ground and a Commemorative Dinner is being planned to mark what will be the 40th fixture of this remarkable series.