The Cup 2004 – a supporters view…
House fan Paul ‘Bob’ Sandiford shares his memories of the 2004 Worsley Cup Final:-
By 2004 Lowerhouse were becoming a competitive side for probably the first time in their history and a cup run saw them with a home semi-final tie against Enfield. Confidence was high amongst the fans who believed the key to winning would be to get Enfield’s professional, Peterson, out cheaply. Enfield batted first and Peterson scored 148 ina huge total of 310 . Game over, or was it ? What was to happen in the Lowerhouse innings I believe was the turning point for the club, the starting point of things to come. The ‘House rallied in an unforgettable run chase. As the winning runs were struck, my dad, not noted for outward shows of emotion, ran onto the field, arms aloft. It meant that much !
And so came the Cup Final against a very strong and experienced Haslingden side. First advantage went to Lowerhouse who were picked out of the hat to host the game, which would be the biggest in the history of the club. Cup fever hit the West End. The club was determined to put on a show and some show it was ! 2,500 turned up and the bottom part of the ground was filled with gazebo’s which were available to hire as a package with a dustbin full of beers / wines included. These were all sold out and I joined other club members on the morning of the game to assist in erecting the tents. The wind blew a couple of them onto Lowerhouse Lane so I made sure I ‘bagsied’ one of the more secure spots for my group and added additional protection by anchoring it to a telegraph pole outside.
Despite bringing emergency supplies of wine and vodka we ran out of booze by 5:00pm which was further replenished by another 40 cans and 8 bottles of wine from the bar. Things were getting messy as my mate attempted to make amorous advances towards some ladies in the next tent. Our gazebo gave up the ghost about half way through the 2nd innings as someone fell over the guy ropes for the umpteenth time
Blez smashed the winning runs to take him to his century and Lowerhouse to their first trophy. The pitch invasion was off, well sort of. One member of our party (who shall remain nameless) only managed to go headfirst into the boundary ditch whilst others weaved erratically across the playing surface.
At some point afterwards I realised that I had become separated from my party who were due to be staying at my house. I staggered about in the dark for a while and the next thing I can remember I was stood in my local off licence with the owner saying that a large group had just cleaned him out of vodka.
I arrived home to find the party had already started in my back garden, soon after the music was blasting and we were enjoying my new cocktail which was promptly named the ‘taste of victory’ (Recipe: 1 litre vodka, 1 can Sprite, Ice & Slice of Lemon). Around dawn, I awoke to the birds singing and dew on the grass, a couple of mates were still prostrate on the lawn nearby along with a number of empty bottles.
My hangover cleared round about Thursday.
What a day !
UTH
If you wish to share your own memories of 2004 or any other big game involving Lowerhouse then please email mattstanny1@aol.com with details!
