There wasn't a lot between Saints and Wigan back then , except Wigan had that bit more desire and will to win back then . Saints would have won a lot more trophies in this era if Wigan were'nt so good , you can't take that away from them but they were pritty much the only full time professionals who could buy any player they wanted to . And Mauice Lyndsey , there chairman was as corrupt as they come . But after a poor first half it was a great comeback in the second half . There was'nt another team in the league who could have turned that game around at the time apart from maybe Widnes . Saints should have won more trophies . I had a season ticket at Knowsley Road all through the 80's and they hardly lost a match at home from 84 onwards . If it Were'nt for Wigan being able to buy any player they wanted Saints would have won a lot more silverware .
What an amazing display of rugby. I remember this Saints side and they were Brilliant. Packed out crowds and amazing atmosphere. Stan Wall the Ref: came to Leigh as assistant coach to Dave Chisnall and Alex Murphy were i played. with Des Drummond, Derek Pyke, Jonny Westhead (rip) Phil Fox, Ray Tabern, Phil Johnson and may more great players
I felt sorry for widnes because me and my mate watched Rick thackary skin the saints wingers twice at widnes ground ,only for that slip they wouldnt have seen him for dust,Im a saints fan and I have not seen many as fast as him,Often wondered what happened to him
Special memories here for me here. Growing up in St. Helens, these men shaped my childhood: Mal Meninga, Phil Viewers, Andy Platt, and none more so than Neil Holding. I remember being there watching this match. Holding in particular was an idol of mine, and Meninga's single season had such an influence. What an era!
That was the best atmosphere I ever experienced. We sang from start to finish behind the goal. What a comeback second half. Great days and that Wigan team was awesome it has to be said.
I was at this game. A coupla years later i see wally lewis, jeff toovey, n mal at the steyne hotel bar in sydney nsw, had a pint n smoke with em, wally was the smoker, 1990 Great rugby league folk in sydney.
That try led to seven long minutes (inc the injury time) where a mistake could have led to Widnes either getting a penalty and after that Quirk try Doug Laughton had ordered that Widnes try to force Saints into a penalty conceding mistake in front of the posts and to take the 2 points for the goalkick to force the replay
I was at this game with my mate. After great victories away at Salford, Castleford and Leeds, this game broke my heart, fuckin saints, always disliked them after this, around this era, they only ever turned up against Widnes. I'm sure this was the year Wigan nilled them in the final. Useless tossers.
Do you have the full match on video? I was there, a happy 10 year old Saints fan at the end, Big Mal carried me on his shoulders, unfortunately the video ends before we get the cup, would love to see the whole game. Thanks!
80s league was the golden era for me,Ray French commentating,absolutely brilliant!!Big Mal made such a difference for saints this season scoring numerous tries and putting the fear of God in opposing centres ,and all for £1500 a match!!compare that to what some of them are on today ,absolute bargain.
I'm a Saints fan and because there wasn't a ground available to host such a large expected crowd they tossed up and Wigan won so the game was played at Central Park. The next time there was a Wigan/St Helens Lancashire cup final in 1992 the reverse happened and the game was played at Knowsley Road.
Meninga always looked like he was playing among boys. He could be so dominant...but he had great skills to go with his great physique. The following year he and Ferguson won Canberra’s first premiership.
