(The Classic Games): Wigan v Swinton, 01/01/1890

THE CLASSIC GAMES

WIGAN vs. SWINTON

1st January, 1890 ~ Chorley Road, Swinton

Going through the records of Wigan games from our early period can sometimes be a bit monotonous. Reading the same thing over and over again about scrimmages, flying kicks, dribbling of the ball etc is boring, especially when the team isn't doing too well. But when you get to particular matches your eyes open a bit more and you get lost in the story that you've been reading through for a year or so. Does anybody know what happened before 1895? Is it written down anywhere? What events happened? Were Wigan any good? I have decided to write about the Classic Games that Wigan Rugby has had before the days of the Northern Union, the days which are undocumented, forgotten and ignored to this day. One such game is one against Swinton, let me tell you the story.

It is 1889 and Wigan are flying along. Wigan had begun the season as double Cup holders, after winning the West Lancashire and Borders Towns Union Cup (West Lancs Cup) and the Wigan Union Charity Cup for a fourth time. Selection for the Lancashire County was still an issue for the Wigan players as most representatives hailed from the older established Manchester and Liverpool clubs, but we were getting a foothold by 1889. Wigan forward Billy Atkinson and back Dickie Seddon had gained County honours a season earlier and when the 1889 season started, Wigan boasted of three Lancashire County men in Ned Bullough (who would go on in time to be Wigans only Rugby Union England cap wearer), Atkinson and the Anglo-Australian tourist Jack Anderton, who had rejoined Wigan by now from the Salford club.

Despite this, Wigans 'card' of fixtures still lacked the big clubs on a regular basis. The committee had secured teams such as Swinton and Broughton Rangers but were still trying to woo the 'bigger' clubs of Lancashire. But as the 1889/90 season kicked off it was all fine as Jim Slevins men had got to the Christmas period only losing one match against Brighouse Rangers at the end of October (and that was a close loss). The packed Christmas period schedule was a success in terms of spectators and wins but Wigan, being tired and with a mixture of second-team forwards in the pack lost a tight affair to St Helens Recreation on December 28th. Wigans record to this point stood: P 18 W 15 L 2 D 1. 

The West Lancashire Champions were in surpreme form but all anyone could talk about in the town and within the Club was that all that did not matter until they faced the "Lions" of Swinton on New Years Day, 1890. There was so much more on offer than simply getting a win. The Swinton team were a formidable outfit led by Jim Valentine. They were seen as the premier rugby club in Lancashire and were in tremendous form. Wigan had been battling against having their voice heard over the last few seasons trying to break the old establishment of Manchester and Liverpool clubs in terms of prestige, County honours and, well, trying to attract the bigger clubs to play against them. Wigan had a point to prove to everyone that they, not Swinton, were THE premier team in all of Lancashire.

The Wigan club had organised three special trains with the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company to run to Swinton for the match. With cheap return fares, the platforms at Wigan Wallgate Station swelled as fully 3,000 spectators travelled with the team for the match. Firstly, that must have been a sight to see! The Swintonians had three England Internationals named in their team, including the Legendary Jim Valentine, along with five or six Lancashire County players. They were strong! Wigan travelled without forward Ellis Wardle (who in time would be Wigans man in the room at the George Hotel when the Northern Union was formed) and half-back Billy Hunter. Wigan enlisted the help of "Daff" Hulme of Aspull to fill in for Hunter at half-back, partnering old chum Billy Halliwell ("Smiler").

As the three thousand men, women and children walked from the train station at Swinton along to the Chorley Road ground it was evident that it was going to be a grand occasion even if Wigan lost. As captain Jim Slevin led his men over the ropes and onto the field of play, fully 10,000 spectators had assembled to witness the contest. You need to remember, 3,000 is a large number of people to travel by train in the days before motor vehicles or coaches. It was a fantastic effort! Wigan were unusually punctual and at three o'clock the sovereign coin was flicked into the air and, to the surprise of many, Jim Slevin lost the toss. Slevin had a well known knack for winning the toss.

At kick off, the teams were as follows:

Wigan: J. Halliwell (fullback); Slevin (c), Seddon, Anderton (three-quarter backs); W. Halliwell, Hulme (half-backs); Hatton, Dempsey, Atkinson, Lowe, Bullough, Brayshay, Swift, Telford, Bibby (forwards)

Swinton: S. Roberts (fullback); Jim Valentine (c), Marsh, Murray (three-quarter backs); Mills, Bumby (half-backs); Horle, Hodgkiss, Rothwell, Hall, Lomax, Hallam, W. Marsh, Clayton, Walker (forwards)

Touchline Guardians: Murray (Swinton), Underwood (Wigan); Referee: Mr. Cattill, Sheffield 

Here is how the game unfolded from the match report:

Slevin lost the toss, and Atkinson sent the ball on its first 40 minutes' journey. Murray put in a clever return. Wigan dribbled to the home goal, and capital play forced a minor, wigan drawing first blood. Seddon returned Valentine's drop, and Swinton again defended, Roberts getting to centre with a judicious kick. The Wigan front rank came away with a rush, Murray retaliating with a neat dodgy run.

Getting to the Wigan half, Mills picked up and smartly passed to Bumby, the ball finally landing in Valentine's hands. The latter ran and landed a good try, close to touch. He also placed a beautiful goal from the difficult place. This reverse did not dishearten the Wigan 15, for they rushed away in splendid style, and little "Daff", getting hold behind the scrimmage on the Swinton 25 line, ran smartly and landed a capital try, amid loud cheering from the Wiganers. The place kick failed.

Valentine dropped out, and Wigan again got offensive, Bumby taking play to the Wigan end by a very good run. For a few minutes Swinton looked like scoring, but steady play by the Wigan forwards ultimately got out of danger. Grand play was now witnessed in midfield, Roberts having a shot at goal from a penalty kick. Finally the visiting forwards got together, and a magnificent rush enabled Tom Brayshay to land No 2 try close to the spectators. Anderton failed at an easy chance. Half time now arrived the score then being Wigan, 0 2 1; Swinton, 1 0 0.

Bumby resumed, and for some time it was doubtful which side would eventually get the upper hand. The doubt was settled by the Wigan forwards, who played like Trojans, ultimately pressing very hard a few yards from line, the presure in the end becomming too heavy, and Dempsey was awarded a try. Anderton this time placing a good goal.

Swinton now fell off considerably and it was plain to see they were getting pumped out. Wigan forced a couple of minors, and five minutes off time Swinton made a spurt. Valentine, Marsh, Bumby, and Mills, striving hard to avert defeat. They failed, and the West Lancashire and Wigan Cup holders won handsomely by 1 goal, 2 tries, 3 minors, to 1 goal.

The scene was now of wild excitement, everybody from Wigan meeting you with a hearty "How do" and "a happy new year". Seldom have the Wigan team played a more combined game, and this victory places them, without doubt, champions of Lancashire. The "Lions" took their defeat with a good grace, and owned themselves conquered fairly.

It may not seem so to you, the reader, but writing that was just joyous. Following Wigans progression from 1879 to this point and seeing this team reach its peak is a good thing to witness, even if it was 130 years ago! There was no Lancashire Cup or national league championship to play for. The West Lancashire Cup was the best on offer back then and the clubs we faced were Aspull, Tyldesley, Southport Olympic and Warrington. Take my word for it, this was a magificent result, against the best team in Lancashire packed full of International players and County men.

The reaction to the game was a great one. The ancient town of Wigan was buzzing. For those few who didn't travel to Swinton, had to wait outside tobacco shops and other establishment awaiting news 'on the wires' about the score. Cheers were heard around the streets when the tries and goal were scored and a loud celebratory cheer was heard whe it was known that Wigan were the victors. To beat Swinton at Swinton had always been an ambition for the Wigan club. Wigan had gained draws and losses in the past, never getting over the line. This had now been accomplished and did what plenty top Lancashire and Yorkshire clubs have failed to do. The general consesus was that Wigan were now the Champions of Lancashire having lowered Swintons colours on enemy territory. Here is how "Crossbar" of the Wigan Observer commented on the match:

For my own part, when put to the test and with a full team up, I have no fear at Wigan meeting and of our Lancashire teams. I have formed this opinion after the splendid victory over the "Lions" on the first day of the new year, and beg to compliment the team on their really magnificent performance.

To score a goal and two tries against a team containing two internationals and I don't know how many county men, is an enviable feat, and yet this has been accomplished by the West Lancashire and Wigan cupholders, who have brought such honour to this town this year. 

To say that the great match had been anticipated with keen interest would be idle, and every body in Wigan - footballers and non-footballers - knows how it has been the great theme of conversation, and how hundreds, yes, thousands had made up their minds to occupy the first afternoon of the year in watching the performance against Swinton. The name itself seems to inspire us with dread, but this feeling is now a thing of the past, and having turned the flow of the tide, Wigan are now determined to continue their victorious course.

Thousands did go, and the three trains that left Wigan were packed with enthusiasts anxious to watch the fray. When the teams entered the field there would be quite ten thousand persons present, and the scene of enthusiasm was alost beyond description...

...It has been aptly described as a desperate game, and so it was, and I leave my readers to imagine for themelves the exhilaration of the Wigan detachment at the finish.

And here we are 130 years later. This truly was the greatest achievement Wigan had got in my opinion up to this point. It meant alot and thinking about those 3,000 spectators in a Victorian party mode leaving the train at Wallgate and walking up those steps into the street and celebrating the win in one of the plentiful pubs in town is quite an image to think about.

Wigan would go on to finish the season with 18 more wins, 2 drawn games and 3 losses to Cardiff and Pen-y-Crag during their Easter Welsh Tour and a loss to Leeds St. Johns (now Leeds Rhinos). The Trophy double was again achieved winning the West Lancs Cup with 27/28 points and another Wigan Charity Cup win against the old enemy Aspull. Billy Atkinson and Ned Bullough gained more Lancashire Caps. Wigan had finally reached the top.

This was the Wigan v Manly of it's day

The Visit of the New Zealand Maoris 1888

The Wigan Rugby Club has had many a grand day on the turf. Games that are remembered for generations and stories passed down to grandkids are told to this day. The games against Australia at Central Park, or the lucky few who witnessed Wigan win the World Club Challenge at the ANZ Stadium, Brisbane in 1994. One sunny day can leave an impression that will always be remembered by those who want to.

I wish to tell the story of when the first Touring side played at Wigan on the 17th December, 1888: The New Zealand Maoris. Will be paraphrasing quite a bit later on as the story can be told eaier that way.

During the disappointment of losing out to Tyldesley in the West Lancashire and Border Towns Union Cup (itself a world record trophy name) semi final in March 1888, The Wigan Club immediately wanted to rebuild their team and rise to become to Premier club in Lancashire, not just West Lancashire. Firstly, to prove a point to the Lancashire Rugby Union that clubs such as Wigan, Warrington and Widnes are worthy of standing alongside the 'City' clubs of Swinton, Salford, Fairfield and Manchester. Secondly, to prove a point. Wigan wanted to be the best. Being the best meant greater gates meaning more money and progress.

Wigan started the 1888/89 season in record style. Crompton, Tyldesley, Manningham, Tottington, Kendal Hornets, Widnes, Oldham, Barrow, Warrington, Aspull, Morecambe and Oldham again all fell to the Wigan sword by the time December came. Wigan had never had such a fine start to a season before and by now had proved all critics wrong in that Wigan was by now certainly the Premier club in West Lancashire. The acquisition of Dick Seddon from Aspull, a fine wing three-quarter helped. So too did the signing of Ned Bullough in the forward and Pilkington at fullback. Wigan had a complete team.

The only issue, however, was that as the Maoris were now playing matches, no fixture had been set up with the Wigan club by the end of November. The local press were by now starting to ask why, given Wigans great form and stature that a game hasn't been arranged yet.

Behind the scenes, however, the Club were busy making arrangements with the powers that be to make sure the New Zealanders would make a trip to the ancient borough. The first of December came official word that the Maoris would be coming to the town and play the Wigan Football Club. A date had been fixed for the 17th of December - a Monday. It would have been quite impossible for the Maoris to visit on the Premier day of Saturday given their tight schedule, but not to worry, Monday had to do with a 2:30pm kick-off.

What makes this game different is that the Wigan Club from the offset stated that they wish not to cash in on this venture. A large and curious crowd was guaranteed with admission being 1s 6d (double the normal cost). Why? The Wigan club wanted to simply give the public an opportunity of witnessing an exhibition of football as played by the first team ever sent over to England by our colonies. The Maoris would take 75% of the gate receipts and out of the remaining 25%, the Wigan club will pay the expenses of advertising the match and entertaining the colonials afterward. It was, as yet, to be arranged but there was to be a grand banquet at the Legs of Man Hotel, Wigan's headquarters after the match and a trip to the Royal Court Theatre on King Street to watch a performance afterward before the Maoris had to be on their way later that evening.

The Mayor had been asked to kick off the match, to enhance its spectacle. Cheap trains will run by both the London & North Western and Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Companies from Manchester, Liverpool, Tyldesley, Leigh, Bolton, Chorley, Preston, Warrington, Widnes, Runcorn, St. Helens and other intermediate stations so that there may be a large importation of outsiders into the town that day. Wigan were making an effort.

Wigan had by now acquired the services, briefly, of Jack Anderton, of Salford, who had just returned to the town after touring New Zealand himself with the first English Rugby Union touring side. He had offered his services for the game and several other matches around the festive period. Due to Wigans great form, Jim Slevin, Dick Seddon and Will Atkinson were asked to go to County Trial matches (East Lancs v West Lancs) at the beginning of November. William Atkinson became the first player playing for Wigan (and not joining Wigan like Alfred Le Peton) to gain a Lancashire County Cap! He made his debut against Cheshire with Dick Seddon on the reserves list. Jim Slevin, how great he was, never gained County honours, which puzzled commentators a decade later. Anyway... Wigan had by now acquired Pilkington as a star fullback at the end of November with he and Atkinson wearing the County jerseys in a match against Morecambe, much to the delight of the Wigan spectators. Atkinson and Seddon on the 8th of December gained more County honours with Lancashire as they faced the New Zealand Maori team themselves a week or so before they came to Wigan.

Whilst these men were facing the Maoris, the Wigan club were making final preparations for their visit to the town. They wanted their reception to compare with any that had been received in other parts of England. Mr W.H. Hewlett was approached seeing if he would allow the Maoris to visit the Wigan Coal and Iron Company works at Kirkless, but he declined. It was seen that, although it was quite an impressive set up for 1880s Wigan, the trip wouldn't have lasted long enough. Eyes now gazed North Westward to Haigh Hall. Mr Fair, the agent to the Earl of Crawford, was now appraoched to see if they could drive up to the Hall via the Plantation Gates on wagonettes. Once at the Hall they could inspect the hot houses and enjoy the Haigh Hall Estate. Dinner would be held at HQ, the Legs of Man Hotel. 

The Maoris were due to arrive in Wigan at 1030, travelling by train from the Grosvenor Hotel, Manchester (their base), with the match starting at 1430. Evening festivities at the Legs of man after the match would be followed by an invitation from Mr Worswick and Mr Gee to visit the Royal Court Theatre to witness the drama "Man to man". 

This Ancient and Loyal Borough was now ready for this grand occasion of the first Touring side to visit West Lancashire.

The New Zealanders by now had already played 30 matches, winning 19, losing 8 and drawing 3. Surrey, Northampton, Kent, Burton-on-Trent, Midlands, Dewsbury, Stockton, Tynemouth, Northumberland, Hartlepool Rovers, Maryport, Carlisle, Hawick, Carlisle, Kendal, Liverpool, Ireland, Belfast, Yorkshire and Broughton all had their colours lowered. Their defeats came against Mossley, Lord Sheffields team, Wakefield Trinity, Hull, Halifax, Swinton and Lancashire. Given Wigans form, and newly acquired County Caps together with a cameo appearance from Jack Anderton, the locals thought the Wigan team would be impregnable.

THE DAY

The Maoris turned up at half past ten in the morning and were heartily greeted by crowds assembled along Wallgate all the way to the Legs of Man Hotel (Makinson Arcade). The President of the Wigan Club, Mr. C.A. Cronshaw (A Wigan Old Boy) welcomed the Maoris, along with Mr. J.W. Clegg, chairman of the committee; Mr. J. Saxon, Mr. J. Armstrong, Mr. W. millington, and Mr. J. Underwood, members of the committee; and Mr. Elli Wardle, secretary (and player). Permission, luckily, had been given in time form the Earl of Crawford (who I assume was in London doing noble or gentry things), for the visit to Haigh Hall. Mr Cronshaw acted as tour guide for the visitors where he gave some interestig facts about Wigan. He stated that Wigan was an ancient borough and was a fighting place. He talked of the remains of its defence, Cromwell's ditch, the Tyldesley monument, and the hiding place of Lord Derby. Once a walk around the Haigh gardens was done they returned back to the Legs of Man Hotel for lunch before battle commenced.

Although the prices for admission were doubled, there was a great crowd in the afternoon to witness the contest between Wigan and the Maoris. Shortly after 2:30pm James Slevin entered the ground followed by his men under huge applause. As the noise settled down and the Wigan men warmed up, cheering could be heard off in the distance which grew louder. The Maoris were on their way. When they arrived at the ground on Prescott Street, the crowd gave them a true British welcome, cheer after cheer being raised with that vigour which ever distinguishes Lancashire men (and women).

When the Maoris entered the field of play, Slevin gathered his men into the centre ground and, doffing their caps (caps which were bought by fans in the weeks previous if you're up to date on my twitter feed), gave the visitors three hearty cheers of welcome. The Maoris then advanced a little into the field, and formed a circle around their captain J. Warbrick, and gave vent to what the people believed to be responsive cheers to the greetings of the Wigan team. Not so. The Maoris raised their ancient war cry "Ake! Ake! Kia, Kaha!" ("For ever and ever be strong") - The Haka.

The New Zealand team in their black attire:
J Warbrick (captain) - fullback; E. McCausland, W. Wynyard, D. Gage - three-quarters; W. Elliot, P. Keogh and F. Warbrick - half-backs; Ellison, G. Wynyard, A. Webster, W. Anderson, D. Stewart Lee, A. Warbrick and Wi Karauria - forwards

Wigan team donning their now set Cherry and White jerseys:
J. Pilkington - fullback; Jim Slevin(captain), Dick Seddon, Jack Anderton - three-quarter; J. Hunter, W. Halliwell - halfbacks; Willy Atkinson, Ellis Wardle, J. Halton, J. Hatton, E. Dempsey, J. Lowe, E. Bullough, T. Brayshay, Telford - forwards

Wigan were at supreme full strength with Jack Anderton and Tommy Brayshay returning to have a crack at the Maoris. Sydney Swift missed out due to an injury so Brayshay stepped in, in many ways he was an upgrade. A Wigan stalwart who wated Lancashire Caps he left Wigan to pursue that dream much like Jack Anderton.

The Maoris won the toss and elected to defend the railway end with the game being set at 35 minutes each half. It was common back then for captains to discuss length of halves due to times they arrived at grouds, especially if a train was waiting to go home. 35 minutes it was. The Mayor was due to have a ceremonial kick off but he was unable to attend, so Wigan kicker Halton ade it on his behalf. The ball was not returned and so began the scrimmages to test each others strengths. The opening of the game was quite even with the ball travelling up and down the field with mauls and scrimmages taking place as you'd see in any normal game of rugby football. I'm not going to describe the match but the main points, or else you'd be bored (if youre not already).

Joe Warbrick

One thing was for sure, Warbrick, the NZ captain excited the Wigan crowd every time he had a chance to gather the ball and return the kicks. It was apparent from early in the match that the aoris were quite good at passing and dummying the ball. Wigan after about 20 minutes play were beig pegged back on their line as a result of this type of play. Wigan calmed the storm by working their way back up field thanks to Slevin who "skipped away merrily" but was caught near the line. From this Wigan forward Halton got over the line but couldn't ground the ball. Wigan ended up with forcing the Maoris to touch down, and gaining a minor point. It seemed that the opening half would be filled with a couple of minor points but before half time was called Gage, the Maori three quarter back  ran in a try which gained a massive applause. The goal was disallowed. It would have been a certain score but it was ruled out because as McCausland was setting himself up for the kick, F. Warbrick let the ball touch the floor. Half time: Maoris 1 try and 1 minor; Wigan 2 minors.

The Maoris started the second half fast. A scrimmage forced the ball towards the Wigan line and as Elliot kicked it over the line, W. Wynyard touched down to gain the second try for the visitors. McCauslands kick this time was a success and NZ gained the premier point (goals ranked better than tries). Wigan quickly responded and from the kick off gained the ball and made their way to the Maori line, who by now were defending the Canal end of the ground. Good defence made sure Wigan could only register a minor point. 

Wigan however, kept pressing and a certain try went begging as the forwards advanced. Atkinson transferring the ball to Brayshay, who kicked on the Wardle. This play got away from the Maori defender J. Warbrick and a try seemed certain, until it was apparent that Wardles kick was too heavy and the ball rolled into the crowd beyonfd the try line. Wigan then went further behind as fullback Pilkingtons kick was charged down whilst trying to relieve pressure. F. Warbrick this time gaining the Maoris' third try, despite a pitiful attempt by Jack Anderton to tackle him. McCausland hit the upright during the conversion.

Captain Jim Slevin gained a try for Wigan after a rush upfield near the corner flag. The attempt at goal was difficult as Pilkington failed at his try. The Wigan supporters were full of joy that the Wiganers scored against this strong Maori outfit. Soon later the game ended in favour of the Maoris by 1 goal 2 tries (the third try is included with the goal) to 1 try. Before leaving the pitch, Slevin called for three cheers for the Maoris, which were heartily given, and the Maoris responded with their war cry again.

It was seen that Wigans fullback Pilkington played a grand game and that Robert "Dick" Seddon kept his reputation as the countys finest three quarter. The Maoris kept Jack Anderton at arms length all match. They had played against him when he toured their country suring the summer so knew all what he was about. 

Excluding members, there were around 7,000 persons present from all corners of Lancashire. The gate takings amounted to £191 11s 4d. This turned out to be the largest "gate" the Maoris have had with the exception of the Surrey match at Blackheath. Surrey only had half the amount of supporters at their match but the price was double Wigans! (They were rich posh Londoners and could afford it). In comparison, the Swinton game that the Maoris played took £184 in money.

THE EVENING

After the match the players ad committee members trundled their way to the Legs of Man Hotel, where in the evening the Maoris were entertained to a banquet by the Wigan club. Mr. Councillor Millington took charge of the catering which was thus:

Soup, hare; fish, turbot and lobster sauce; joints, roast beef, boiled mutton, roast mutton, roast goose, boiled turkey, roast chickens; sweets, plum pudding, mince pies, tarts, blanc mange, jelly; cheese and celery; dessert. Yum! Roasted Goose in Wigan!

The banquet room was decorated with banners which read "Welcome to the Maoris" and "Success to the Wigan Club" draped around the two muttons at either ends of the large table. Mr. C.A. Cronshaw presided the dinner, and he was supported at the cross table by Mr. Councillor Percy, Mr. Councillor Gee and Mr. Councillor Richard Johnson, Dr. Bradbury, Dr. Parker, Mr. T. Morris and Mr. Joe Warbrick, while amongst the company, which comprised both the Wigan teams, the Maoris, and some friends, were Mr. Parry and Mr. Wilcock (secretary and treasurer of the West Lancashire Union). (note the West Lancashire Union and not Lancashire... bring on 1895!)

Mr Councillor Percy (I dont know his first name, probably Paul, rose and proposed the health of the Maori team, which was received with enthusiasic cheering. He said it had not fallen to his lot, in connection with football gatherings, to meet on a more suspisious occasion than that which had brought them together today (Cheers). A vast number of persons had assembled that day on the Wigan ground, and a better game had never been witnessed in the town (Cheers). Their friends from across the water had won the match. He believed they were entitled to win and they won because they were the better team (Cheers). He was quite sure the visitors were prepared to admit that so assembly of football sympathisers ever extended a more impartial feeling towards a game than they had shown by the crowd on the Wigan ground that day (Cheers). With regard to the Wigan footballers, they in their battles did not always win like himself (laughs) - but they had one feeling in common, and that was they never knew when they were beaten, and he could say on their behalf that if the Maori team would do them the honour of paying another visit to Wigan before they returned to their own land, the Wigan team would do their very best to lick (beat) them.

This day seemed more than a game of rugby. It was more than a local event. From time to time they heard a great deal of the union of the various parts of the British Empire, and he thought they in Wigan did something to bring out that union when they assembled on a football ground. They as subjects of her Majesty in the old country, and the Maoris as subjects of the Queen in the new country. He hoped that while the presence of the New Zealanders would make them feel that the British Empire was a very wide spreading one, the visitors would also feel that they were subjects and portions of the greatest Empire on which the sun ever shone (Cheers). He hoped that the visitors would remember that they, like them, had an interest in the British Empire, and as the old country weakened in the course of time that her sons and grandsons in other lands, New Zealand and elsewhere would step in and take its place to maintain its supremacy (Cheers). His wish was that all the battles between the mother country and her colonies would be like the contest of that day - battles of friendship and of peace (Loud cheers).

Aww. To this the Wigan players broke into the song "Sky Rocket". In responding, Mr. J. Warbrick thanked the company most cordially for the manner in which they had drunk to the health of the Maori team, and also for the kind remarks that had been made with reference to them. The Maoris then gave a toast to the Wigan team and gave out their war cry again.

Jim Slevin, our captain, responded on behalf of the Wigan team. He said they had been pleased to meet the Maoris that day, and nothing would have given the team greater pleasure than to meet them again (Cheers). Although the Wigan team had suffered defeat, he thought they had rendered a good account of themselves.

Mr Councillor R. Johnson, in responsidng, said as senior member of the junior ward in the borough he should do his best to promote any object which might be adventageous to the Wigan Rugby football team. He was the president of a gallant team at Ince (th'Ince) that had not yet been beaten this season (Cheers). He had got an idea with regard to Wigan, though some people may think it chimercial, that there was a place in the park which might be set aside for youthful people for recretaive purposes, and he believed the day was not far distant when that ground would be let for that purpose. He had heard Mr. Percy say that the duty of the Corporation was not much to build sanatoriums as to provie for the health of the people, and his (Mr. Johnson's) idea was that they had not provided for their health whe they had simply consulted their educational requirements, but that they ought to do something to promote physical education also. He hoped at no distant date some part of the park would be set aside for footballers, and if he did not remain in the Council long enough to see that come to pass, he expected to see it done all the same (Cheers).

Dr. Bradbury then rose and proposed "The Wigan Rugby Football Club", and said a jollier, heartier, and more straightforward set of fellows than the members it had never fallen to his lot to come across (Cheers. He applauded with the same toast that of C.A Cronshaw. Charlie Cronshaw said he was glad to see the Maoris amongst them that day. In them the Wigan team found their steel and that the Maoris would always be ready, when needed.

Songs were then sung, lead by William Atkinson, the Wigan forward, Duddle and Marsden of the second team and Wynyard of New Zealand before time was called at half ast seven. The Maoris were then due at the Royal Court Theatre, and, in company with their newly-made Wigan friends, they made their way to King Street and soent the rest of the evening watching "Man to Man". The streets were still packed, still being a Monday evening, and the theatre was full. Before leaving at ten o'clock, the Maoris had one last war cry inside the theatre.

And that was that. Wigan were hell bent on making sure that the visit of the Maoris would be an unforgettable one. Tey had seen that earlier in their Tour, the Maoris had played in Liverpool and returned by train to their headquaryers in Manchester after the match. Wigan wanted to make a statement and give them the best hospitality they could have had. I think the effort given was exemplary. The town talked about this day for weeks. They talked about it for months and years and yet, in 2020, it's being remembered now, by me anyway, as one of the Greatest days of sport the Wigan Borough had ever hosted.

Wigan Rugby Football Club. The Greatest in the World.

8 In A Row - 1990/91

So, there we had it: Wigan were Double Winners. If you extended that, the Trophy cabinet also included the Regal Trophy and certainly, the cleaner at Central Park was kept busy with the polish! The Wigan juggernaught just kept on going and with Shaun Edwards being named Man of Steel, the Wigan club were now proud to have another player to show off to the world as being Simply the Best (Ellery Hanley was MoS the season previous). Of course, improvements could be made with regards to the playing staff. Kelvin Skerrett and Frano Botica were two big names to feature in the main squad that summer. Little was known of Botica at the time other than he was a former All Black coming of age. It was immediately unclear to which position Frano would play as he wasn't exactly gifted with speed so he couldn't go on the wing... or so many thought. John Monie thought otherwise and with Mark Preston departing, Botica was stuck onto the wing for most of the season. Skerrett, a powerful prop forward was signed from Bradford Northern. This no-nonesense hardman was exactly what Wigan needed with Adrian Shelford leaving a void in the pack. Skerrett wasn't a flashy player, opposition fans disliked him, but as soon as he wore the cherry and white, he was a crowd favourite and all was forgiven with regards to past misdemeanors.

Wigan still seemed a bit mixed on the flanks. Mark Preston was quickly out of the frame with David Myers seizing his opportunity in the number 2 jersey. Botica, it seemed was there for a bit of stability if nothing else... he wasn't needed at fullback as Steve Hampson was still going strong and of course the halfback pairing of Edwards and Gregory (along with Goulding knocking on the door) meant that spaces in the star-studded Wigan team were scarce. "Stick 'im on' wing, he'll be reet" as you'd say. During the summer it seemed odd that one of their biggest rivals still had a player who could solve Wigan's winger problem in their ranks. Martin Offiah had scored over 100 tries in the past two seasons for Widnes but was still... at Widnes. Wigan at the time could buy anyone they liked at will and Offiah would have been the icing on the cake. But for some reason, another summer went by and Offiah was still scoring for fun at Naughton Park. Although Wigan could in theory use their 'open chequebook' to sign Offiah for silly money they decided not to. Instead, work began on redeveloping the old Pavilion end of the ground into a new modern all-seater stand, so perhaps thats where most of the money went and a possibly reason (certainly a factor) for two 'average' signings (or so they seemed).

Offiah was the best winger in the League, but he remained the Jewel in Widnes' falling Crown

Joe Lydon was still the Worlds Best utility player and went wherever he was needed along the backs. Skerrett slotted into the pack alongside Andy Platt and Ian Lucas whilst Dean Bell and Kevin Iro patrolled the flanks alongside Myers and Botica. Denis Betts was by now undroppable in the second row alongside either Phil Clarke or Andy Goodway. Hanley, Edwards and Gregory were still at it. Coach John Monie didn't feel the need for Offiah or else surely Wigan would have signed him. He felt Wigan had the experience, talent and strength in depth to finish top of the pile again come the end of the year with Widnes being, on paper, their closest rivals.

Alas, the season had begun again by mid-August. Wigan started the fresh new campaign in their traditional style: by losing the Charity match against Widnes, for some reason, played in Swansea. Frano Botica made his debut alongside Kelvin Skerrett and Wigan fans quickly got a taster of what was to come. Botica scored all of Wigan's points that day and even managed a try. He scored again during a Lancashire Cup first round tie against Barrow (Cumbria I know) in which Wigan scored 70. Widnes however knocked Wigan out in the next round a week later and fired a warning shot to the Central Park outfit, Widnes were closer than what Wigan thought and would be there at the end of the season. As long as Wigan reached Wembley eh? Thats all that mattered Cup-wise in the August of 1990.

In the League, Wigan had an indifferent start to their campaign. They were already out of the Lancashire Cup at the hands of Widnes and had managed only five points from their opening five fixtures. Already it seemed that Widnes had a head start. Hull were strong this year and had beaten Wigan quite convincingly at the Boulevard. An opening day draw against minnows Sheffield Eagles didn't help the cause along with a narrow defeat against Bradford Northern. After a loss to a Touring Australia side, Wigan out scored their next three opponents 4:1 on average and it seemed they were back on track. Hanley was on form and tallied up his seasonal total early but it all came crashing back down to earth when Wakefield Trinity gave Wigan their third league loss and it was only the end of November! Things weren't looking right. Wigan had dropped seven points in the League already, any more would mean the title going elsewhere. Something wasn't quite right it seemed at Central Park. Wigan had already used four goal kickers in Bobbie Goulding (when playing), Steve Hampson, Frano Botica and Joe Lydon, of course. It was inconsistant to say the least. By mid-December, Bradford Northern had dumped Wigan out of the Regal Trophy and with two losses to Bradford, Kelvin Skerrett was beginning to think whether or not he made the right decision moving to Central Park.

Crowds were quite low too, compared to previous years. 7,500 saw the Featherstone match at home with 14,000 witnessing the visit of talented Leeds just before Christmas. Were results too easy to make out and people not bothering to pay their moneys? Who knew. Back on the field, Botica was failing to make an impression with the boot. he did well against Keighley, but that was against Keighley. But with the absense of Lydon through injury, Botica got the nod to use the boot. Wigan fans had a good cheer on Boxing Day when a 28-15 win against Arch-Rivals St Helens gave firstly bragging rights to all Wiganers but more importantly Wigan were not out of sight in the League. That was until the visit of Warrington on New Years Day 1991, when nearly 16,000 witnessed Wigan's fourth defeat in the League with a 6-14 loss against a team who, despite being a traditional fixture, were out of sorts in the League, nowhere near the form which got them to the Challenge Cup Final eight months previous.

You can see the story here, Wigan were themselves out of sorts and by the time the really cold weather came, Wigan fan's could have only been dreaming about the blistering Wembley temperatures of 1990. Some were starting to think that if Wigan drew a top four or five side in the Cup, they'd be out. The League was far off already but Wigan were still within touching distance. The visit to Sheffield Eagles on 6th january 1991 was probably a turning point in Wigan's history for many reasons. The Eagles, playing at a seemingly empty (it seemed to me to be empty and I was only 6 at the time, I still remember it staring at the athletic track all match) Don Valley Stadium were crushed 46-4. Hanley, of course, scored a couple so too did Edwards. It was like the starter motor was being switched on and things started to happen. Joe Lydon had by now returned to the team, with Dean Bell having a rest on the bench to see how he fared and kicked a few goals against Sheffield. Botica also kicked a couple of goals that game. So too did Edwards and Stevie Hampson. Wigan had four kickers in one match, surely a record of some sorts. It was like all the contenders for the kicking role were auditioned once and for all and it was Frano who was the best. Since that match, Botica was number 1 and the records started to tumble from then on. Stability at last, it seemed, had reached the Wigan lineup just in time for the trip to Naughton Park to face Widnes. Wigan triumphed and clawed two points back in the table over Widnes. Hanley was Man of the Match (inevitably) and scored a hat trick of tries (obviously) as Botica was lethal with the boot. Hull Kingston Rovers were then battered (Hanley scored, Botica kicking 7) just in time for the Challenge Cup trip to Castleford in early February.

Game 16: Tuesday 12th February 1991. Challenge Cup Round 1 v. Castleford @ Wheldon Road, Castleford. 28-4. att. 6,749

Castleford were a strong team in the 1990.91 season who eventually finished in fourth place. This firstly round tie was one that even Wigan fans were fearing could be the end to their Cup campaign, and not the traditional other way round. The initial fixture was meant to have been played the Saturday before but due to snow, the game was moved to Tuesday evening. Still, a decent crowd of just under 7,000 turned up to see if Wigan would fall at the first hurdle. When the Wigan fans turned up at Castleford, they wondered why the fixture was postponed in the first place as the snow was still covering the pitch and temperatures were even colder, being a night match. Minutes before kickoff, the gorundsmen were still clearing the lines in the snow in a pitch that looked like an inverted American Football field.

Coach John Monie was surely beginning to make his squad believe that anything was still possible. They had started the season in poor fashion and with four losses, had to play catchup. Maybe the Cup could give Wigan a bigger morale boost than the win over Widnes did. The team of Hampson, Myers, Botica, Iro, Bell, Edwards, Gregory, Dermott, Lucas, Skerrett, Platt, Betts and Hanley (with Clarke and Ged Stazicker on the bench) needed a good performance and they sure did get it!

In difficult conditions, Wigan's first try seemed to be a mess and would have surely been ruled out in today's game by an inept official. A neat break by Iro saw the Wigan machine advance upfield before Botica was tackled twenty five metres out. Andy Platt couldn't hang on to Hanley's pass for a knock on, but referee Smith allowed play on. Castleford tried to gain an advantage but the ball was lost again before David Myers collected and made a dash for the corner. Running into a cul-de-sac, Myers offloaded to Kevin Iro who scrambled into the corner. The perfect start within the first five minutes in conditions which usually dictated a low scoring game from the off.

Wigan furthered their lead when Shaun Edwards' fancy footwork saw him accelerate through two Castleford defenders and race towards the line before firing a high looping pass out left to Kevin Iro who only needed to find Frano Botica with open space to score, Frano making the angle much easier for himself by running and sliding in under the posts. By now, Wigan were dominant, even in snow. Since the Warrington game on New Years Day, the defence had been watertight, even keeping Martin Offiah at arms length and this night looked to be no different. Already 10 points to the good, Wigan were lingering in midfield when Andy Gregory ran along the Castleford defence dummying at will waiting for his chance at something. Somehow he finds a slight opening and runs through it but is hauled back by a Cas defender. Luckily, Andy Platt was in support and his power gained a few more yards before the defence got hold. Shaun Edwards was in support and collected the offload from Platt before running in untouched under the posts: 16-0 after 25 minutes and by now those Wigan fans who were fearing a tough game against Daryll van der Velde's Castleford had only concerns for their frozen feet! Frozen body of the night was about to belong to Frano Botica however. Castleford were pushing Wigan back as halftime approached, searching for a score to give them hope for the next 40 minutes. A bit of haste and panic creeped into their efforts though as the ball suddendly found itself at the feet of Frano Botica. Botica then has a wild lash at the ball, midway in the Wigan half, and it is kicked up field. It was now a game of soccer as the ball lands around the Castleford 25 metres line. Botica luckily had the momentum to get their first as the Castleford winger had to do a u-turn... Botica however kicks at the ball again knowing he has no time to pick up and the ball nestles down just before the goalline. Frano then pounces on the ball with a Castleford defender on his back and slides over for the try. Wigan went in 22-0 to the good at half time.

Castleford didn't help themselves after the break when they let a pass go loose near their own goal line. Wigan happily collected the ball and a couple of tackles later, David Myers runs over from dummy half to extend Wigan's lead to 28-0. A consolation try meant that Cas were not to be nilled but it didn't matter in the end. Shaun Edwards later said that it was "an absolutely awesome performance, probably the best of the whole eight years. The big hits were unbelievable. I think we would have beaten anyone in the world that night, playing like that."

Frano Botica scored 16 of Wigan's 28-4 point win, chipping in with two tries and four goals. Already, he seemed to be the find of the century, especially with his very accurate goal kicking abilities being proven each week now. Wigan had stuffed Hull KR a week or so earlier and only conceeded four points then. Indeed, it was the third time in four games where Wigan had conceeded four points only so something surely had clicked. Wigan had found their mojo. Having scored six tries in his last three appearances, Ellery Hanley (bored yet?) somehow failed to cross the whitewash against a tough and well-drileld Castleford outfit. This was Wigan's sixteenth consecutive game of an unbeaten run in the Challenge Cup competition and with every game, a record is extended. The Cherry and White faithful were perhaps waiting for this Cup game to see whether or not it was a good idea booking coach tickets to Wembley immediately after the Warrington Cup Final. Alas, it was. The only thing that mattered, ultimately was that Wigan were in the hat for the next round.

A couple of seconds after Rochdale Hornets were awarded a much needed home tie in the live draw for the Challenge Cup second round, their Cup hopes were shattered. Wigan were coming to town!

Game 17: Sunday 24th February 1991. Challenge Cup Round 2 v. Rochdale Hornets @ Spotland, Rochdale. 72-4. att. 6,492

Luckily for Wigan fans, the game away against Featherstone the following Sunday after the Cup tie was postponed due to a Great Britain v France international. This meant they could a) get warm and b) not have to go to a snowy Featherstone ground. The bad news however was that Wigan now were accumulating a backlog of games due to the poor weather and postponments. It was nearly March and the games against Featherstone, Bradford Northern and Hull FC had not been played for one reason or another. Looking at the calendar it could get even worse if Wigan carried on progressing through the Cup stages. Weekends were running out for games to be played and at a crucial time of the season, Wigan did not need fatigue to hamper their chances of catching Widnes at the top of the league, especially in the rich vein of form they were showing since early January.

Rochdale Hornets were the opposition for the second round of the Challenge Cup. The Hornets were in dire trouble, rooted to the bottom of the table and almost relegated already. In fact they only won once during the League campaign that season, gaining 2 points. It couldn't have been easier for Wigan in truth. Rochdale would have first dreaded being drawn against the Piemen but everyone comes out of the woodwork to watch Wigan regardless of what teams are playing so financially, they would have been happy. Not so happy on the scoreline though, 72-4 to Wigan. For Wigan, they again only conceeded 4 points for the fourth time in five games so John Monie must have been relieved that the early season free-for-all for opponents was almost certainly over and stopped the points being added up in the 'AGAINST' column in the League.

Not much to say though during this game. Shaun Edwards was shown the red card for retaliation. Ellery Hanley scored six tries but Rochdale were absolutely woeful. Pleasing for all involved at Wigan was that Frano Botica kicked 12 goals and he really cememnted his place as the number one goalkicker. The problem was, why wasn't he not first choice sooner in the League campaign? 12/12 for Botica, 6 tries for Hanley and Wigan were in the hat for the quarter finals of the Cup! Vive le Pie!

Game 18: Sunday 10th March 1991. Challenge Cup Quarter Final v. Bradford Northern @ Central Park, Wigan. 32-2. att. 17,734

Bradford's dreams were shattered when they were drawn to play Wigan in the quarter final at Central Park. But that was all beforehand. Wigan had already lost to bradford twice early in the season and the Northerners believed they could do it for a third time. By the time the aurter finals came around, Wigan now had four games outstanding to be played in the league and pressure was mounting. Wigan were due to play Widnes at home on the 10th March but as things go, Wigan ended up playing Bradford instead. If Wigan made it through to the semi finals the scheduel would be grueling, which meant Wigan would in theory have to play upto three times a week, even that would hamper the very best team when they were playing catchup in the League.

Anyway, thats for a different story. Bradford Northern were going well, already beating Wigan twice and getting to the Regal Trophy Final. This was Wigan's eighteenth straight game in the Challenge Cup, an extending record, but the only focus was Wembley. John Monie was desperate for success, as was the Wigan board who had just spent a small fortune on the building of a new stand, they'd like seats on bums watching a successful side to repay the debt. It was well over a year since a Challenge Cup tie was played at Central Park and those Wigan fans who usually were unable to attend away matches needed their fix. 17,734 got that fix (minus the Bradford supporters) as Wigan blew away Northern in a routine win in easily the best attended game of the year at Central Park (apart from the touring Australian game when 24,000 turned up).

The toll upon the Wigan side were at it's primary stages. A week earlier, they welcomed visit of Wakefield with an indifferent lineup. Mark Preston had been given a rare start as Botica filled in for the suspended Shaun Edwards. Ged Stazicker received a rarer start with Paul Gartland (who?) and Mike Forshaw sat on the bench. Luckily, Wigan won. But for the visit of Bradford, Edwards was welcomed back along with Lucas, Hanley and Joe Lydon, a move that was aimed at making sure Wigan stayed in the Cup. And stay in the Cup they did. Bradford were blown away by tries from Frano Botica, Dean Bell, Kevin Iro and Martin Dermott, with Botica adding 6 goals. This time Wigan only conceeded two points instead of the four and were in the semi finals again. The key was Wigan's fitness. Bradford were a tough side with tough forwards. Kelvin Skerrett above anyone else was desperate to get one over his former side and up the middle he did battle. As Wigan were superior in every depertment, the game started to get a lot easier after the hour mark as oppenents usually faded away through fatigue, this was no different. The 17,000 crowd were delighted that they were in the Cup semi finals but for once, the focus was not on the Cup, but the League. Mission Impossible had fully begun. Wigan had to fit in 10 League games within a month, plus they had to play in the Cup semi final, to which Oldham were to be opponents. An average of a game every three days was on the cards, starting with the visit of Hull FC the coming Wednesday (13th March).

Game 19: Saturday 23rd March 1991. Challenge Cup Semi Final v. Oldham @ Burnden Park, Bolton. 30-16. att. 19,057

Wigan despatched Hull FC at Central Park shortly after the quarter final tie against Northern in a rearranged League game. They then travelled again to Rochdale but this time, the score was a bit more respectable. The Hornets only kept Botica to eight goals from 7 Wigan tries in a 44-16 loss. This was still early days in the up and coming Mission Impossible campaign with the likes of Ged Stazicker once again taking his opportunity well in the first team in the absence of key players. Wigan were to play Oldham in the semi final at Bolton Wanderers' Burnden Park stadium. Oldham were pretty shocking in the League and were desperately flirting with relegation. Wigan were obviously installed as favourites given their form, talent and previous win over Oldham in the League earlier in the season. But you could not write off the men from Watersheddings as anything could happen when Wembley is at stake and other factors playing their part such as Wigan's fatigue factor coming into play. The Wigan players were focused on the job as they knew that whether they win or lose the semi final, the next few weeks would be hell. The only things that would drive them on is success. A loss in the Cup would be a disaster for a Wembley mad Wigan public and Maurice Lindsay could have done with the extra finances at the time. Reaching Wembley wuld be terrific of course but league games were coming up thick and fast, firstly against Warrington on the Tuesday then Featherstone the following Friday (and it got worse after that).

19,057 made the short trip to Bolton from Wigan and Oldham respectively for the Semi Final tie. Oldham were struggling as mentioned yet Wigan were on a 9 game winning streak. The scorline suggested a 30-16 win for Wigan and another trip to Wembley but the game itself was a bit more comfortable than the 14 point margin suggested. A year earlier, Wigan met St Helens at Old Trafford in a tight and memorable game which the Saints could have easily stopped Wigan's domination of the Cup event there and then. Today at Burnden Park everybody knew it was to be a straight forward win for Wigan. After kicking 19 goals in his last three games, Frano Botica (for it was he) was deadly accurate yet again, scoring five goals from Wigan's five tries. Early season many wondered who this former All Black starlet was but everyone on the rugby planet knew his name now and what a find for Wigan! Who needed Martin Offiah on the wing when Botica could not only score tries but was pretty much guaranteed to turn them into six points.

John Monie dropped David Myers to the bench and gave Joe Lydon a start on the wing in a backline which read Hampson, Lydon, Iro, Bell and Botica. This was playing it safe from Monie, as we had seen in previous Challenge Cup Finals. The only thing that mattered was getting to Wembley at any cost, and experience proved to be the key. Wigan fielded possibly their strongest lineup with even Andy Goodway on the bench, such was the strength on show in the starting XIII. Oldham really didnt have a chance as 4 points quickly turned into 6 as Kevin iro, Ellery Hanley (obviously), Shaun Edwards, Andy Goodway and Frano himself scored, giving the Wigan crowd a hurried short trip home via Westhoughton. On the way, many would have gone along St Helens Road. St Helens, as you may guess at the link, were waiting for Wigan at Wembley after they successfully negotiated their way through their own Semi Final against Double-chasing Widnes. Wigan v Saints at Wembley, could it be another 27-0 or much closer this time around?

Game 20: Saturday 27th April 1991. Challenge Cup Final v. St Helens @ Wembley Stadium, London. 13-8. att. 75,532

After the Semi Final win over Oldham, the Wigan players were in no mood to celebrate. Wigan fans of course had a few pints in celebration at another Wembley trip but Wigan were now in Mission Impossible. The fixture list looked like this:

Tuesday 26th March: Warrington (A)

Friday 29th March: Featherstone (A)

Monday 1st April: Oldham (A)

Thursday 4th April: St Helens (H)

Sunday 7th April: Castleford (H)

Tuesday 9th April: Widnes (H)

Thursday 11th April: Bradford (H)

Saturday 13th April: Leeds (A)

With eight games in a little over two weeks, it looked impossible for Wigan to catch and overtake Widnes at the top of the table and win yet another Championship title. 2 days off, 2 days off, 2 days off, 2 days off, 1 day off, 1 day off, 1 day off. For a Wigan fan, you'd have been delighted over Easter to see so much rugby. Oh it was tough. The ins and outs are for another topic but the gist of it was that Wigan won them ALL, apart from getting a draw against Bradford Northern. The gates at Central Park rocketted as St Helens attracted 17,500, Castleford brought in nearly 14,000 but the big one (if you can call it bigger than an Easter Saints v Wigan game) was reserved for a possible Title Decider: Widnes. A lock out crowd of 29,763 crammed into Central Park to witness whether Wigan could at last overhaul Widnes and be top of the League and deny Widnes of the title there and then. 26-6 to Wigan. You could not believe what you were seeing in those short days. Still, a job needed to be done and despite being 18-2 down against Bradford two days later, Wigan somehow came back to draw 18-18, mainly thanks to Ellery Hanley who showed the world why he was who he was by picking Wigan up and leading by example. Wigan had come so far and wouldn't fall at the final hurdle. Maurice Lindsay said of Hanley's performance "We have won cups, leagues, prizes, all sorts of things... but I have never seen anything like that before or since. I would say it's Ellery's finest hour. You could see the amount of pride and passion he has burning inside him. He just wouldn't lie down. He was incredible". With one game remaining and now two ponts ahead of Widnes, only Leeds stood in the way of Wigan and another League title at Headingley. Wigan did it, thanks to four, 4, FOUR, drop goals (three from Bobbie Goulding) and a 20-8 win. Wigan were shattered and history had been made. The seven games in two weeks took their toll on the side. Already creaking around the semi-final stage against Oldham, Wigan were battle scarred. Andy Gregory was finally injured for the trip to Headingley, which gave Bobbie Goulding his moment to shine. Ellery Hanley went off with an injured leg and it looked like the Final against St Helens would be a tough old affair if injuries mounted up. During Mission Impossible, Wigan included many strange players. Graeme West was called upon out of semi-retirement and scored a try in a game against Castleford in a game in which Phil Clarke started as stand off. Andy Goodway started in the centres against Leeds but the job got done. Battered and bruised, one half of the Double was complete, now St Helens were waiting for revenge at Wembley.

Wigan warmed up for the Final with a Premiership 1st Round tie against Featherstone Rovers a week before D-Day. Monie felt it quite necessary to rest a whole host of first teamers after what they had just achieved and gave run outs to fringe players like Ian Gildart, Steve Blakely and Sean Tyrer. Wigan lost but it did not matter much, Wigan were normally hit or miss when it came to the Premiership, with the Challenge Cup always holding presidence. Even with two weeks of relative rest, Wigan were reporting that many of their players were struggling and some were on pain killing injections. Despite Saints' poor league position (6th), they arguably had a stronger team than the one that faced Wigan in 1989. Allan Hunte and Tea Ropati were quite a formidable duo with power and pace supplying St Helens with attacking and defensive options on their flank. Whereas Paul Bishop, their scrum half, was appearing in his third Final against Wigan and was desperate to set the record straight once and for all.

Wigan however had suffered a major loss with Joe Lydon failing to make his fitness count. Lydon's loss was a significant blow to Wigan's title challenge as his experience alone and versatility anywhere in the back row still made him a key weapon. David Myers had proven all season that he had a right for a starting place with or without Joe Lydon and with 18 tries, made him Wigan's second best try scorer of the season (11 behind Ellery Hanley who was on one that year). Botica had long since earned his place on the other wing as the old stalwarts of Andy Gregory and Shaun Edwards reignited their partnership once again on the biggest stage of them all. For many, the Wigan line up seemed to be at ful strength, with Bobbie Goulding and Andy Goodway making the bench but how was their fatigue? Wigan had beaten St Helens twice in the League (28-15 and 28-14) during the season but anything could happen at Wembley, Saints were due a bit of revenge after being nilled in 1989 and pipped to the post in the semi final a year previous.

The day wasn't as hot as 1990, the sun appeared several times but it didn't really matter for the wigan players. If it had been sweltering then it may have proved a big factor with fatigue. 75,000 people made the journey to North London that Saturday which meant Wembley Way was awash with red and white jersey, flags, scarves and other paraphernalia. Wigan yet again were drawn to play in their blue and white away jerseys for the third time in four years.

Sensing that it was going to be a tough encounter, Wigan didn't take long to get some points on the board. George Mann, the St Helens second row forward, pounced on the ball during a scrum and was judged to be in an offside position. A bit of back chat with referee smith gave Wigan an extra 10 metres closer and a penalty. Frano Botica stepped up around 30 metres out and 5 metres from touch and expertly slotted the ball easily between the goalposts. If the Wigan changing room knew they were in for a tough ride, it was good to know that they had an extra man on the field in Botica's boot. Two minutes later in the seventh minute, the Wigan players were starting to think whether it was going to be a far easier match than previously thought. Saints had done well to keep Wigan midway into their own half on the fifth tackle. The ball fell to Andy Gregory who belted the ball deep into Saints territory which ended up around 10 metres from goal, a kick which St Helens fullback Phil Veivers had to chance a little while just to get hold of. Leading the kick chase was Shaun Edwards who welcomed Veivers as they clashed on their chests. The impact caused Veivers to spin to the ground and lose the ball as he felt the full force of Edwards and he seemed to go unconcious it looked like. Luckily for Wigan, Kevin Iro was prowling and collected the ball and advanced towards the goal before finding an open David Myers in support. Myers knew he could step inside and score his maiden Wembley try. Sadly, as Botica was taking aim with the conversion, Veivers was thinking whether or not his Wembley was over for another year as he was carried off behind the posts. Tragedy struck when Botica missed the conversion attempt! 6-0 to Wigan. Youngster Gary Connolly came on the replace the injured Veivers.

Only five minutes later was Wigan in again. A good break from "Dean" Mean Bell created the try of the match. Bell stepped off his left foot in full flow to get into open space but was about to be tackled. He finds Denis Betts in support who sprints upfield 40 metres with Hanley and Iro in support. Somehow he loses those two try vultures and finds Frano Botica open on the left wing. Botica now only had substitute Connolly to beat at the corner and before Connolly could pull off a textbook try saving tackle into touch, Botica manages to ground the ball for another Wigan score. If there were doubts about whether or not Botica had brought his kicking boots with him after his previous missed conversion, there were no doubts this time around. Frano kicked a superb effort from the touchline to gift Wigan a 12-0 half time lead. In the dressing room, the Wigan players were feeling a bit tired and being suprisingly only 12-0 up they knew they had to make the game a bit more difficult for the Saints. The early blitz was just that. The St Helens forwards of Kevin Ward, George Mann, Shane Cooper and Johnathon Neill especially were battering the Wigan pack.

After the break Wigan made the most of their first opportunity. On the fifth tackle and about 30 metres out, dead centre to the posts, the ball lands into Andy Gregory's arms. Gregory calmly shapes himself and goes for a drop goal before anyone can charge it down - it was successful. This now meant that St Helens had to score three times if they had any chance of overhauling Wigan. Wigan however were not concerned about their attacking threat as they still had Edwards, Hanley, Iro, Betts, Hampson... etc... on the field who could score at will. Their forwards of Ian Lucas, Andy Platt and Phil Clarke were going through a lot of work midfield it was a worry that St Helens could break through at any moment. As a spectator either at Wembley or one of the millions watching at home around the world, you could now realise that Wigan were playing intelligently and couldn't rely solely on their attacks to win games like they had seen the previous three years.

With a quarter of the game remaining, the game was poised nicely at 13-0 to Wigan. Could Wigan really nil their bitter rivals yet again? Allan Hunte thought otherwise. Fantastic pressure from St helens had seen Wigan struggling to break free of their goal area. Suddenly an uncharacteristic knock on/lost ball by Andy Platt gifted Phil Veivers (who had returned to the game thankfully well) and St Helens six tackles in which to score from 5 metres out. They needed zero tackles in the end. Veivers found John Harrison who in turn quickly find Johnathan Griffiths, the St Helens stand off. Griffiths, a classy player, neatly ducked and spun out of Dean Bell's challenge and then did not panic when it seemed he was going to be wiped out, he floated a looping pass out wide to winger Allan Hunte who raced in at the corner despite David Myers' best efforts to keep him out with his scrambling defence. Up stepped little Paul Bishop with a difficult kick from the right hand side of the pitch to get St Helens to six points. He duly did so with a fine kick smack between the uprights, a kick Frano Botica would have been proud of. 13-6 to Wigan and many fingernails were now starting to fill the Wembley floor.

With ten minutes to go, Wigan had started to dig in. St Helens exploited numerous gaps in the Wigan defence and advanced upfield quite quickly. On the fifth tackle, Paul Bishop attempted a kick to the corner but Kevin Iro decided to make a play at the ball but instead couldn't get hold. St helens gathered and another set of six was awarded. Shaun Edwards managed to haul down Les Quirk, and keep him down. Still holding down, referee Smith awarded St Helens a penalty. Now, for you conspiracy theorists out there, did Edwards do this on purpose? Wigan's defence was all over the shop and St Helens had adrenaline pumping through them. Was it better to save 6 points or give away 2? It didn't matter whatever anyone thought afterward as St Helens opted to go for the two points which, if kicked, would mean they needed a converted try in the remaining 9 minutes of play to win the match. They needed to score twice anyway and this seemed a perfect gift from Wigan. The score was totted up to 13-8 as Paul Bishop instantly accepted his extra 2 points.


That was how it remained. A nervous last ten minutes saw chances go amiss and Wigan playing safe whenever the opportunity arose. Wigan had won the Cup for a record fourth time in succession and had won the Double for the second successive year. John Monie was now a living Legend, so too were the players who had won the Cup. To beat St Helens again cancelled out the two Wembley defeats in the 1960s so for Wigan fans, nothing could be sweeter. Wigan had done it the hard way and were by far the best team on the planet in either code of rugby. Denis Betts, the Wigan second rower received the Lance Todd Trophy for his outstanding work in the field, fatigue wasn't a word that Betts had ever heard of and was a deserved Man of the Match.

Sadly for Wigan, an end of Era. This Final was to be the last for Ellery Hanley in Wigan colours. After completing 202 games and scoring 189 tries, it was time for The King to move on. He later signed for hometown club Leeds for a world record £250,000 - not bad for a 30 year old player who had been around since the late seventies! If Wiganers were looking at who would replace Hanley, they needent look far. But thats for another time. The main thing was, Wigan ultimately beat St Helens at Wembley in what was one of the Greatest seasons the Wigan club had ever played. Mission Impossible turned into Mission Accomplished.