Haslingden 215-5, Accrington 150-6
1st August 1981

Accrington 1st XI 1981 ©Stephen Blunt

Second placed Haslingden completed the double over Accrington, winning by 65 runs at Bentgate. Bryan Knowles made another half century, passing 6,000 Lancashire League runs in hitting 77 before falling to Mick Donnelly. Knowles added 70 with fellow opener John Entwistle (30) and 74 with Mike Ingham (56) in the home sides 215-5. Accrington's hopes of victory effectively ended when young paceman Mark Rothwell picked up his first senior wicket when he had Accrington professional David Stead caught by Ingham for just 7. Graham Beech fought a lone battle in making a fine 87, breaking his own club batting record set four seasons previously but Accrington could only make 150-6. Neil Jones made 17 and skipper Alan Richardson was unbeaten on 26 at the close. Professional Andy Roberts took 2-45 from 14 overs picking up Geoff Hayhurst (4) and Trevor Hatch (0) and Stuart Molloy picked up 2-34 for the title chasers. Accrington stay in tenth place in the table after 19 games. Scorecard

If you have any memories of 1981 please email Nigel Stockley