The players mingle with the spectators. A previously unpublished image.

Mike Summerbee made a triumphant debut as the Clarets swept to their first victory of the season on Sunday, 27th July 1975. The former England international, signed by Burnley for his soccer prowess, showed he can wield a cricket bat to good effect as he hit an unbeaten half-century during a charity match at the Lucas Sports Ground, Reedley. Summerbee's bright and breezy innings was one of several high-lights of an entertaining match between the Burnley FC Players and Staff, which attracted a crowd of 1,500 spectators on a glorious afternoon.

The Players batted first and lost Peter Noble, Mick Docherty and Alan Stevenson all to catches by Brian Thresh (guesting for the Staff XI) before the crowd was treated to the most stylish innings of the day from Leighton James. He hit six fours in his innings of 45. He was eventually out when he swung a delivery from Brian Thresh hard on the leg-side and Commercial Manager Jack Butterfield defied the passing years to take a falling catch on the mid-wicket boundary. Summerbee then came in and showed that he liked to thump the ball hard and often, hitting seven fours and a six he retired undefeated to make way for Frank Casper, who came on to a tremendous reception. He slammed the day's biggest hit (a colossal six which almost went out of the ground) and there was more useful batting from Keith Newton and Doug Collins, which enabled the players to close their innings at 192 for 8 at the end of the 36 overs.

The Staff innings got away to a slow start as openers Jack Chew and Ross Haworth were pinned down by the pace attack of Colin Waldron and Duggie "Tornado" Collins. Collins was then replaced by the left-arm pace bowling of Ray Hankin, while at the other end Frank Casper came on to claim three wickets after dangerman Chew had been run-out by Keith Newton's accurate throw. Mick Docherty took over from Hankin and claimed the prize wicket of batting "star" Brian Miller, who played with style and poise for a superb duck before edging a ball to Leighton James at third slip! The other member of the Clarets coaching staff playing in the match, Dave Merrington also went for nought (bowled by Keith Newton) and it was left to Geoff Butterfield and chief scout Dave Blakey to salvage the situation. Butterfield hit some lusty blows, including two sixes in his innings of 51 not out while Blakey added solid support. But then Summerbee came on to "york" Blakey and Bob Bradshaw was bowled by James to give the players victory by 60 runs.

Maybe it wasn't the greatest standard of cricket seen in the area at the weekend, but it was a lot of fun and provided nearly £300 for the Spina Bifida Association. Burnley chairman Bob Lord and manager Jimmy Adamson carried out the draw for the raffle and all the prizes were successfully claimed.