Season 1968 summary following the stats being added to the site
These stats are as accurate as possible, using the archive that Nigel Stockley has kindly compiled and using our own research this included discussions with ‘older’ members of the club. Please feel free to add any comments or point out any observations or discrepancies by speaking to Adam or Jez Hope or emailing Adam.
The season was 8 balls per over and ‘time’ cricket. The format, in brief was; the side batting first could declare but must bowl the side batting 2nd out to secure a victory, if the side batting second passed the first innings score they won, hence a number of ‘draws’.
We finished 11th in the league securing 5 wins, 12 draws and lost 9 matches. We amassed 33 points with one of them being a bonus point. We were knocked out of the cup in the first round at Ramsbottom.
Roy Collins was the pro, this was his third season in a row for the club. He was born in Manchester and achieved his Lancashire County cap in 1961. Roy passed away in November 2009. During this season he scored a total of 336 runs at an ave of 14.0. He took 49 wickets at 16.2 each. He collected 12 catches.
One sub pro was used; a KL Snelgrove. Snelgrove scored 51 no in the first game of the season at Enfield.
Malcolm Blackhurst was captain and scored 390 runs at an ave of 19.5 and took 37 wickets at 16.4 a piece.
Moments to note:
- Jack Foster, batting at 8, scored 53 not out in what must have been a famous win at HQ (East Lancs)
- In another win Jack was out ‘hit wicket’ against Rammy at home. In the same game Peter Wade took 19 for 6 of 6.2 overs. It would appear that this was one of the earliest games that Peter played in the first team.
- A young (how old?) Brian Higgin scored his maiden 50 during this season when he scored 80 against Bacup, away in a victory. Brian scored 359 league runs at 18.9.
- Gordon ‘T’ Jones scored 353 runs at 18.6.
- Mick Swift made his debut this year. He scored 247 runs at 19.0.
- We also beat Haslingden who’s professional that year was Clive Lloyd. Lloyd scored 1226 runs, in the league that season.
You can access the stats on our statistic page here. We’ve also ranked them by wickets, runs and catches.
