Archive Search Page

Neil Whalley, the Burnley batsman who hit 106 not out in the semi-final against Colne, his second 50 being scored in 19 minutes.

From a report by Don Smith:
The revived four-club knock-out under new title and rules brought one of the largest cricket crowds for years to the Horsfield Ground, Colne, on Sunday 18th July 1971, when the Express-Leader-Times Challenge Cup was won by Nelson. The Seedhill side beat Burnley, the favourites, in the final after accounting for Lowerhouse in the semi-final, played in the morning. Colne, the host club, lost to the Turf Moor team in the highest scoring game of the three, Neil Whalley hitting a century. The full day's cricket was appreciated by the spectators and enjoyed by the players and a total of 727 runs were scored. If Colne missed out on the prizes - the three Man of the Match awards went to representatives of the other clubs - they had the consolation in the takings in the refreshments and credit is due to the voluntary staff in pavilion and tea rooms and elsewhere who worked so hard to oblige. Nelson's shock win should do them a great deal of good, especially some of their young players who impressed by their enthusiasm and keenness in the field, particularly in the final. Ian Greenwood, the Nelson captain, admitted "In view of our position at the bottom of the Lancashire League I did not think we had much chance, and naturally I am delighted." Any doubts the organisers may have had about the appeal of the new-type competition were dispelled when play was due to start, for most of the seating at the Byron Road side of the ground was occupied and the terracing at the Grange end was well filled.

The pattern for the day was set in the opening match when Lowerhouse captain John Stott took two catches off the bowling of Brian Moorhouse to send back Nelson's most experienced batsmen, Roy Pickles and Bill Oddie. Alan Roberts followed, taken behind the wicket in brilliant style by Brian Higgin off Moorhouse, who appeared to be qualifying for consideration as Man of the Match. After the allotted 16 overs Nelson were 136 for eight. Lowerhouse made a disastrous start, losing three wickets for 13 before Gordon Jones and Des Sparks made a stand of 43. Joe Holland gave Jones further assistance, but the run rate was not fast enough to beat the Nelson total and after 16 over the West End score was 123 for five. Gordon Jones won the Man of the Match award for his 87 not out which included two six hits.
Outstanding performer in the second semi-final was Neil Whalley, who revelled in the occasion and treated the crowd to some of his best big hitting. He had seven fours and three sixes in his first 50, which came in 42 minutes. He reached his hundred with a six and was 106 not out in a total of 168 for three. Colne made a valiant effort to reply and Brian Bulcock and Lloyd Cornelius had 35 each, Peter Lane 20, and the Harker twins scurried a last desperate partnership of 30 but found the Burnley total too great and Colne were 147 for six at the close. Man of the Match - Neil Whalley.

The final was something of an anti-climax and the field setting of Ian Greenwood with the bowling of Roger Tattersall, Pat Calderband, Alan Roberts and Grandfield contained the free playing Burnley batsmen and had them struggling. Burnley had half the side out for 34 and after the overs were 73 for nine. Roy Pickles and Alan Roberts gave Nelson a sound start and Roberts and Abed continued to glean runs, the professional making the winning hit in the 10th over. Alan Roberts was adjudged the Man of the Match. Umpires on duty were Ellis Dickinson (Colne), Frank Raynor (Nelson), Walter Ashley (Burnley) and Alan Waterworth (Lowerhouse). The trophy and players tankards were presented by Mr K. Nightingale, general manager of the Burnley Express, Nelson Leader Series. He thanked the players, umpires, clubs, committee and all officials and public for making the event such a success.