ON THIS DAY by Paul Hargreaves
19th September 1903
The last in this year’s ‘Lowerhouse Then’ series and a game in which the ‘House didn’t take part in. There would, though, have been great interest in the village as these fierce rivals played off for the title. Both teams had finished on 36 points(14 wins, 8 draws and 4 losses) The game was played at a neutral Turf Moor. That ground was also the venue for the last such play-off in 1986. In that game Nelson achieved a 13 run victory over Todmorden. It is now 69 years since the West Yorkshire team were crowned Champions.That Tod side, back in 1957, had one of Lowerhouse’s own as pro’, Jim Minhas. The first Lancashire League play-off took place at Thorneyholme Rd. Accrington in 1900 and saw Haslingden get the better of Church. The same turf was the potential venue of a Haslingden versus Lowerhouse play-off in1997. Unfortunately it never happened as it required a final match win by ‘House at East Lancs. Not the best time to put in their flattest effort of the season! Back to 1903 and, unlike in 1986, the match would be a two innings affair. Colne won the toss and batted first. Wickets were usually bowler friendly in this era and the feeling was probably that the pitch might deteriorate the further the game went. At 25-0 the decision looked justified but regrets weren’t far away. 58-3 soon became 66-8. Top scorer with 28 was one of Colne’s greatest ever amateurs, Herbert Crabtree. He got the occasional call-up from Lancs. and played in five first class matches. He had two brothers who played at the Horsfield but their stints were relatively short compared with Herbert’s 600 plus appearances over more than three decades. He scored almost 11,000 runs(1 hundred and 68 fifties) ,also no mere back number as a bowler, he took 664 wickets. Harry Riley , from the Bradford area , was Colne’s professional and his 11 runs was the second highest contribution, and they were all-out for a disappointing 80. Nelson’s own pro’ was George Turnbull of Durham and his 5-31 had done much of the damage. He was ably supported by the excellent and consistent all-rounder John Brooks(3-25) Despite losing an early wicket, Nelson’s innings was more convincing than their Pendle rivals. A.E. Wynne(42) and Turnbull(39) both made significant contributions and it was 125-6 when stumps were drawn on Saturday evening. In this era there was no question that the Sabbath would not be respected and that it would be Monday when the match would be concluded. Nelson took their total to 161 when their last wicket fell and a sizable first innings lead was gained. Riley had put in a great shift and took 5-78. Colne were now in a position that I’m often faced with when playing crown green. I tell myself that however bad my first bowl; I get another chance to put things right. Unfortunately for Colne they did what I’ve often been known to do and they made an even bigger mess. No fault to Crabtree who made a spirited 33 but his supporting cast let him down badly once again. Of the others only skipper William Bower reached double figures as Colne perished for 69. Bower had previously spent most of his career at Seedhill, so this was a galling match for him personally. Turnbull with 4-35 and Brooks with a superb 6-28 were the heroes and Nelson weren’t even required to bat again. Given that the clubs were so well matched during the 1903 season; this was a strangely one-sided affair. We can only imagine, though, the elation of the Nelson players and fans on the slow journey back through the crowd lined streets to their Seedhill ground.There would have been a brass band and joyful singing to celebrate the success and the civic pride. Yes younger readers, the Lancashire League did once consume great enough local interest for that to happen!