Accrington 111-7, Todmorden 84
22nd August 1981

Accrington 1st XI 1981 ©Stephen Blunt

Accrington got back to winning ways with a 27 run win over Todmorden at Thorneyholme Road. Record breaking opener Graham Beech batted through Accrington's 28 over innings of 111-7 to hit an unbeaten 54, his ninth half century of the season. Accrington professional David Stead fell to his opposite number Mohsin Khan for 10. Geoff Hayhurst (11) was bowled by Terry Makin with John Townend (3-31) picking up skipper Alan Richardson (5), Billy Rawstron (4) and Andy Gardener (8). Neil Jones and Adrian Varley were both run out for 1 and Mick Donnelly finished on 4 not out when the innings closed. Jones then took a career best 7-43 to bowl Todmorden out for 84. All of the paceman's wickets fell to catches with wicketkeeper Paul Graham claiming opener Phil Morgan (0), Khan (0), Brian Heywood (0), Mick Hartley (8) and Andrew Harvey (6). Rawstron also held John Brierley (23) and Townend (0). Stead trapped David Whitehead (14) and then clean bowled Doug Walters (12). Last man Makin (1) was run out leaving Richard Pickles unbeaten on 11 when the game ended in the 27th over. Accrington stay in tenth place in the table after 23 games. Scorecard

If you have any memories of 1981 please email Nigel Stockley