Africa claims victory at Snow 'World Cup'

Snow might not be the first surface you think of when it comes to choosing a venue to play cricket on, but last month the sixth edition of the 'unofficial' Snow Cricket World Cup was held in Montreal, Canada.

Despite having to endure the full range of Quebec's renowned winter weather - including snow, hail stones, freezing rain, lightning, and strong winds - the Africans held their nerve to beat an Australia-New Zealand team in 3-1 in a bowl-out at McGill University's MacTavish Reservoir field after a tie in the final match.

Both teams reached the final after finishing unbeaten in their pool games, but it was the Africans who left with the trophy, a scented candle known as the 'Ice Ashes'.

"We're used to playing in plus 27 degrees, not the minus 27 it felt like today," said the African Alliance's delighted skipper Ian Gunther.

"It was a bizarre experience for those who had never before had to bat and bowl in such conditions, with snow blowing sideways and a wicket that resembled an ice rink.

"The Antipodeans were cruising at 26-2 in the final game, only needing 18 more with half their overs remaining, and I suspect they thought the victory was in the bag until they got cold feet."

The African Alliance reached the final after wins over Canada and the Celts, the latter featuring Angus Bell, founder of the Snow Cricket World Cup.

"The event is going from strength to strength as we had more than 70 players from 6 continents taking part today," said Scotsman Bell.

"I'm not sure cricketing technique really comes into it that much," explained Bell.

You can watch a video feature on the event by clicking here