LANCASHIRE’S oldest cricket trophy, the Cross Cup, is set to be played for again this year.

Fifteeen clubs have expressed an interest to play in a revived competition for the Bolton Association trophy which was first competed for in 1889.

The cup was not played for last year because the Association had entered into a period of suspension due to not being able to continue after losing half its 18 clubs to the new Greater Manchester Cricket League.

But Eric Hogg, an Association stalwart and umpire, is attempting to revive it.

He has already contacted clubs and umpires and has had a positive response.

The first round of the competition is set to be played in the first half of the season with the the next two rounds and the final taking place in the second half.

A meeting of the 15 clubs taking part will take place at Little Hulton Cricket Club on March 31 when the final decision on rules and the draw for the first round is expected to take place.

Mr Hogg said he the feedback he has had from clubs has been encouraging.

“The response from the 15 clubs I’ve spoken to and the umpires has been positive,” he said.

“It’s the oldest cup in Lancashire and it’s wrong that it should be stuck in a museum gathering dust.”