Bacup 165, Accrington 168-2
4th July 1981

Accrington 1st XI 1981 ©Stephen Blunt

Accrington ended a run of three successive defeats with an 8 wicket win at Bacup. After Neil Jones had removed opener Peter Nicholson (0) and Trevor Hatch had Geoff Heaton (16) caught behind by Paul Graham, slow bowlers Ian Birtwistle (3-29) and professional David Stead (4-49) got to work. Stead removed Andy Morley (18), Roger Law (53), Neil Chadwick (0) and Rob Buckley (4) with Birtwistle accounting for professional Ray Wynter (6), skipper Phil Lord (0) and Peter Fell who hit a late 40 in a good stand with Keith Roscoe (10 not out). Jones then clean bowled David Usher (6) to end the innings at 165. Fell struck early to dismiss Graham Beech for 1, but half centuries by Stead and Geoff Hayhurst took Accrington to the cusp of victory. Fell returned to send back Hayhurst for 57, but Stead saw the visitors home in the 33rd over with a league best unbeaten 87. Accrington's win took the club two places up the table to 11th after 15 games. Scorecard

If you have any memories of 1981 please email Nigel Stockley