Accrington 125, Burnley 127-6
Sunday September 5th 1976

Accrington 1st XI 1976 ©Garth Dawson

The pendulum swung Rawtenstall's way on Sunday after Accrington were beaten at home by Burnley. Accrington had the worst of the conditions at Thorneyholme Road as Burnley made the most of a green wicket after asking the home side to bat. The in-form John Swanney and Alan Kennedy both hit 33 but good seam bowling by Joe Fletcher (5-63) and Barry Foster (4-37) wrecked the champions innings. Skipper Ian Birtwistle (17) was the only other player in double figures as Accrington were dismissed for 125. Dave Parsons removed Burnley skipper Roland Harrison for 10 but Trevor Pickup (25) and professional Peter Plummer (31) put on 61 to put Burnley on top. Birtwistle (4-44) picked up 4 wickets but Neil Whalley (20) and Gordon Allison (14 not out) steered Burnley to a 4 wicket win with almost 3 overs to spare. Second placed Accrington have 70 points with Burnley next with 67 points.

Scorecard

If you have any memories of 1976 please email Nigel Stockley