ON THIS DAY by Paul Hargreaves
June 14th, 1969
Bacup vs Lowerhouse
A dramatic low-scoring game at Lanehead. Looking at the schedule ‘House must have been pleased to be visiting Bacup at what purports to be mid-summer there.
Lowerhouse batted first and were spared ignominy by Duncan Hall who made 35. Hall was a characteristic figure who made two hundred appearances for his beloved team. Tall, bearded, stiff-backed and usually wearing a gaudy cap, he was instantly recognised throughout the Lancashire League. He achieved three half-centuries in his career but this might have been more important.
Joe Holland was the only other batter in double figures and ‘House were grateful that 17 extras had helped them to 94 all out. The Bacup pro’ was Ian Brayshaw from Western Australia and he took 3-15, but was overshadowed by opening bowler David Evans with 6-26. In 60 games for Bacup this was his best bowling analysis.
After tea Lowerhouse fought back strongly, no doubt anxious that Eddie of Edenfield wouldn’t grant them his usual magnanimous send-off. As a pro’ Des Sparks wasn’t a very good batsman but was very serviceable as a bowler. He took 5-32 and was backed up by Hall of Fame amateur Jack Stott (3-14).
Bacup plumbed the depths of 33-7 before enjoying their own rally. When the ninth wicket fell at 69 Lowerhouse were on the brink of victory. They reckoned without Evans (15), who was obviously still on a high, if theyd thought it was going to be straightforward.
The Bacup last pair were within 3 runs of winning when Evan’s bubble burst and he was run-out. David Evans had achieved his best batting and bowling performances for Bacup on the same day and still ended up on the losing side. It can be a cruel game!
Bacup had 6 wins on the year and finished ninth. Lowerhouse were rock bottom with just 3 wins. That said Todmorden and Rawtenstall finished above ‘House but only had one win each. The difference was those teams had 7 and 6 batting bonus points. Lowerhouse had none!