The Bury first team pulled off a surprise victory in the Reyner Shield knockout quarter final against Heywood, thanks in no small measure to their opponents. Bury had been drawn to play at home, and were surprised when their opponents did not arrive by the starting time. After checking the fixture list and worried telephone calls, it turned out that the visiting team, assuming that they were drawn at home, were sitting in Heywood wondering where the Bury side had got to! After a dash by car they arrived an hour late, and with just 20 minutes to make 30 moves. Heywood captain Bill O'Rourke was able to force Bernard Sharples into an early drawing line, but a win for Sheraz Khalil put Bury in front. Then a loss by Roy Wild, balanced by a win for John Grindrod kept Bury just ahead, but Anthony Lee was unable to hold grandmaster Keith Arkell, now playing for Heywwod, and the scores were level. Jim Litherland was unable to turn a small advantage into a win, and drew, leaving Roger Howley trying to win his game and the match. After using up nearly all his own time to win a piece Roger was now very short of time, but still managed to pull off a precisely played win, with seconds remaining.