AS an antidote to England's depressing performances in Australia, cricket lovers can do no worse than make their way to Elton Vale Road, Bury on Boxing Day morning.

That's the venue for the 40th consecutive winter test match between old Lancashire rivals Brooksbottoms CC and Bolton Road CC who now play under the banner of Elton Vale.

This is the first time the fixture has been played at Elton Vale and a warm welcome is assured for all spectators.

Wickets are pitched - if they can break the ice! - at 11am with each side receiving 20 overs.

And to prevent rigor mortis setting in every player bowls a maximum of two overs, which adds a little more uncertainty and fun to the occasion.

For home skipper Alan Fletcher it will be a bitter-sweet occasion for he intends making this his last match in a league career that began in 1949.

He said: "The match orginally began as a one-off fixture and was the brainchild of Brox' former secretary the late Jack Whitmore and myself, with the aim of attracting some much needed finance to both our coffers!"

The game, despite a frosty and foggy morning, proved to be an outstanding success and it was agreed the fixture should become an annual event.

A trophy was subsequently provided and Lancashire's fast-bowling legend Brian Statham was more than happy for the silver cup to be named in his honour. On several occasions Brian has attended both the fixture and sportsmans dinners.

Alan was appointed captain for the first match in the series and will bow out as skipper and representative of all the previous 40 matches.

Seasonal refreshments will be available throughout the morning, so for all hibernating cricket fans, Elton Vale is the place to be and as tradition demands play will take place whatever the weather.