Looking back at the data for that season, in the nine league matches Bradshaw batted second, eight were won; in the other nine completed league fixtures in which they batted first only one match was won. These facts emphasise the strength of the batting of this 1976 side, whereby any opposition total was always within reach, but the sometimes massive score Bradshaw were always likely to achieve batting first could prove over-facing for the opposition. No fewer than seven batsmen averaged over 20, Brian Cole, Mike Hardcastle, Brian Wallwork, Ian Cowap, Stuart Adams, John Forrest and Brian Senior, some very comfortably so.

By mutual consent, the club then parted company with the popular Ian Cowap and opted for the proven skills of Duncan Worsley, a move approved by his future team mates, whose respect for him cushioned the departure of Cowap. But how do you follow that season?

Follow that they did though. It was half way through the season before defeat at Horwich brought to a halt an unbeaten run, started almost 12 months earlier, of 31 matches. By this time the club were on their way to another league and cup double.

Again conquered in the Lancashire Knock-Out quarter finals by another Bolton League club (Kearsley being the one triumphant the previous year) Bradshaw were within 9 runs of Egerton's 197 with one over remaining, and Stuart Adams desperately needing to get the bowling. Only four balls were left when this aim was achieved but his boundary and single left Bradshaw 3 runs short. Goslin's catch on the edge to dismiss Wallwork when the latter was in full flow with 55 runs to his credit was undoubtedly a match-winning contribution.

Adding to the honours gained by the first team in this year of 1977, the second team won the second of their hat-trick of Championships, and to round off this glorious season, the under-15 side also did the double. Naturally the Club retained the Crumblehulme Cup.

Duncan Worsley's 98 wickets helped him to the League's professional prize, and Stuart Adams's 59 were enough to see him on the way to the professional ranks. A never-to-be-forgotten cup semi-final was perhaps the highlight of the season. Walkden the league wooden-spoonists, even on their own ground, should not have been a match for the almost invincible Bradshaw, but with only nine runs on the board and Cole and Hardcastle out, it suddenly seemed a much more even match. Worsley and Wallwork retrieved the situation to some extent, but Stuart Adams's 53 was the innings that was needed to bring a respectable total of 155.

Walkden 9 for 3 (Worsley 3 for 3) was more like it. But first Bissex and Ian Seddon, then Seddon and Jim Berry, helped the score along to 143 for 5. 13 runs for victory, 5 wickets in hand, and Berry still there with 48 not out. The game had slipped away. Then a wicket for Stuart Adams, and four overs remained. Another run, and another wicket, this time to Duncan Worsley. Three more runs, and a ball hit in the air was within reach of Brian Wallwork, so that was out. Three more runs obtained and Stuart Adams to bowl the last over. 5 runs to win 2 wickets to fall. A single off each of the first three balls was enough to show the effort had been gallant but in vain. But then came an incredible stumping by Brian Senior standing up to Stuart. Now four balls left, three to win and the last-man facing. Who are favourites? Bradshaw, if Berry can be kept from the bowling. No score from the next ball; 3 to go, and everyone on the ground counting, although not all of them getting it right.

Then the required single to bring Berry to face the last two balls. So it really had been in vain after all. No use considering miracles, but bated breath just in case, as Stuart runs in, One to tie, two to win. Then, what's this? Players jumping up and down. Surely not another stumping? No! This time no super-human factor involved - Berry bowled Adams 52.