Rishton 110, Accrington 114-7
Monday May 22nd 1961

 

Accrington 1961 Champions ©Garth Dawson

Accrington’s second successive victory of the Bank Holiday weekend was achieved thanks to a brilliant unbeaten half century by skipper Lindon Dewhurst as his side won at Blackburn Road for the first time since 1947.

Professional Wes Hall also played a leading role taking 6-54 as rishton were bowled out for 110.

The home side were in trouble early on when the West Indian removed opener Eric Nuttall for 4 and professional Murray Vernon without scoring. Hall then picked up a return catch off Jim Smith to send the Rishton stalwart back for 14 and he was followed soon after by skipper Jackie Chew who was trapped in front by Jim Eland for 1. The main stand of the innings was put together by opener Keith Kennedy and Eric Whalley. This pair added 58 in 51 minutes. Eddie Robinson ended the stand by trapping Whalley leg before for 27. Derek Rushton ended Kennedy's fine innings for 41 when Jack Collier held onto a chance behind the wicket. Rushton also removed Keith Wilkinson and then hall returned to polish off the tail by taking 3 wickets without conceding a run as the last 5 wickets fell for the addition of just 10 runs.

Opening bowler Tony Flatley sent back Frank Rushton and Hall cheaply and then Derek Rushton was run out for 8. Vernon then removed opener Jackie Hope for 24, Martin Welbourne for 8 and Derek Mark for 1 as Accrington slumped to 56-6. Skipper Dewhurst took control and hammered a fine unbeaten 50 with a straight driven boundary out of the ground ending the contest. Brian Rutter also played vital innings of 8 to support his captain and secure the points. Scorecard