Accrington 175-9 v Colne 172-9 dec
Saturday June 24th 1961

 

Accrington 1961 Champions ©Garth Dawson

In one of the most exciting games of the season title chasing Accrington beat 1959 champions Colne by 1 wicket off the final ball of the game.

Brian Rutter hit the winning runs after the recalled Martin Welbourne had paved the way with his maiden senior half century. Welbourne hit nine boundaries in his match winning knock of 56 in a race against the clock after Colne skipper Frank Taylor had left Accrington 115 minutes to score 173 for victory.

Taylor had top scored with 55 in Colne’s 172-9 declared with Tyril Gauder making 34, Terry Reeves an unbeaten 21 and Geoff Schofield 20. It wasn’t Wes Hall’s best day as the West Indian went for 74 in his 13 overs, picking up 3 wickets.

Skipper Lindon Dewhurst pushed himself up to open the innings in a typically positive move that on this occasion failed to pay dividends as the veteran fell early to Brian Bulcock who also spoiled Hall’s day dismissing the home professional for 7. Bobby Little removed opener Frank Rushton (14), Russ Cuddihy (1) and later Jim Eland as Accrington struggled on 44-4.

Derek Rushton steadied the ship with 35 and then the mantle was taken up by Welbourne who found the perfect partner in Brian Rutter after Colne professional Johnny Martin had removed Derek Mark without scoring.

Rutter finished unbeaten on 38 after last man Jack Collier had hit a single to put his junior partner on strike in the final over of the match.

Scorecard