Another corker today from the BCTHIC archive.
From a report by Don Smith:
For the first time two teams are joint holders of the Express-Leader-Times Challenge Cup after Sunday’s festival day, 12th May 1974, when the rain damped out a derby final between Burnley and Lowerhouse. Otherwise the event had upheld its reputation with two exciting matches and there was every prospect of a similar classic in the final in which there was the added piquancy of local rivalry. When the final drizzle ended the proceedings, an emergency meeting of the cup committee took place and the captains, Roland Harrison and Brian Higgin, were called in. With players not available and a clash with the Worsley cup round one, it was decided that a sharing of the trophy would be the best way outColne had first use of the wicket and made a spirited 111 for nine in the allotted 16 overs, Professional Bob Letherbarrow was chief contributor. Burnley lost Roland Harrison at eight with the pro departing at 73 for 31. The match seemed to be turning Colne’s way when Trevor Pickup was run out but Norman Clee and John Edmondson started a match-winning partnership, reaching 112 for six with 11 deliveries of the 16 overs spare. Man of the match was awarded to Burnley’s Chris Taylor.
Lowerhouse had the satisfaction of beating the holders, Nelson, who have won the trophy in each of the previous three years. The West Enders had four wickets down for 30 and were far from happy against Pat Calderbank, who took three for 19 in his four overs. They struggled until Joe Holland and Alan Holden pulled the situation round. Joe achieved top score with 26 not out, and the 16 overs brought 87 for six. Doubts about the sufficiency of the total were dispelled when half the Nelson side went for 47, with Peter Wade bowling well and having excellent support from Trevor Boardwell and Alan Holden. At the end of the 16 overs Nelson were 15 runs short of the home score and had only one wicket in hand.
In the rain ruined final, Burnley were 40 for four at the close. Benneworth having two for nine in three overs and Peter Wade one for seven. Trevor Pickup was not out 15. Umpires on duty were Albert Lonsdale, Alan Waterworth, Eric Edmondson and David Holland. The-man-of-the match selection committee: Derek Riley (Burnley), Johnny Greenwood (Nelson) and Leslie Bulcock (Colne).