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Lowerhouse batsman Duncan Hall walks out after snicking a chance taken by Eric Whalley (right), the Rishton wicketkeeper. He scored 22.

From a report by Don Smith:
Batsmen dominated affairs in the local clubs on Saturday, 15th June 1974, with Lowerhouse taking a home point in a match which produced 326 runs and Mick Swift and Tony Benneworth hit half centuries. Certainly the West End spectators are receiving their money's worth in entertainment these days. It is a pity that all the excitement generated cannot be turned into points. The result against Rishton was in the balance until the last over and with two balls to be bowled the visitors could have won. This was the third successive match that Lowerhouse have declared their innings closed. That is a circumstance which has not occurred for years. The West Enders are not used to it. Consequently one could not envy Brian Higgin his task of judging the psychological moment to apply the closure. However, he changed his batting order as the time approached 4.45. He sent in David Hartley to join Peter Wade saying, "David, you have two overs to put runs on and then I am declaring." David passed on the captain's decision to his partner, took most of the strike for the 16 deliveries and the pair added 21, of which his share was 19 - a splendid effort. The Hartley hurricane and planned declaration left Rishton 115 minutes on a batting wicket.

Rishton started confidently and with brisk efficiency to prove that the batting track was of little help to the bowlers. The fieldsmen suffered too, particularly in the close to the wicket positions where the ball came off the edge with unexpected venom. Even the hit uphill to the top boundary, usually slowed by the damp slope, proved effective and fast running. Chief danger man for Lowerhouse was Barry Hill, who revelled in the fast wicket and continued to hit off his toes to the boundary anything pitched up and pacey. In forcing the pace Rishton lost wickets and the keen ground fielding cut off several intended boundary shots. Rishton required 36 in 18 minutes; then it became crucial. In the last over 10 runs wanted off four deliveries; then eight off three; seven off two, but wells missed Alan Holden's seventh delivery and was caught by Benneworth off the last bowl. Holden had four for 46 in eight overs - a commendable return.