Accrington 111-6, Rishton 109
30th August 1981

Accrington 1st XI 1981 ©Stephen Blunt

A packed Thorneyholme Road saw Accrington turn the tables on local rivals Rishton to notch a 4 wicket win. A fine bowling performance by professional David Stead (5-46) and Neil Jones (5-47) saw the visitors bowled out for 109. Stead then hit an unbeaten 58 to take Accrington to victory in the penultimate over. Rishton opener Dave Hill (1) was first to go, chipping a return catch to Stead. The New Zealander also accounted for David Chew (14), Barrie Hill (16), Eric Whalley (6) and last man John Waddington (3). Jones cleaned up David Ainscough (7) and David Wells (0), skipper Alan Richardson caught professional Michael Holding (15), wicketkeeper Paul Graham held Mick Eddleston (6) and Billy Rawstron pocketed Frank Martindale (3) leaving Ian Procter unbeaten on 22. Holding struck back by cleaning up Mark Aspin (3). Graham Beech was caught by Wells off Holding for 19 and Richardson (1) was stumped by Martindale off Waddington. Holding (4-54) then cleaned up Rawstron (1) with one of the bails flying to the boundary. Geoff Hayhurst made 8 before falling in identical fashion and then Barrie Hill sent back Trevor Hatch (3). Jones then joined his professional to help Accrington to victory with a unbeaten 9. Accrington move two places up the table to ninth after 25 games. Scorecard

If you have any memories of 1981 please email Nigel Stockley