Beating Wigan is always satisfying. Even when the Pies were really at their worst, and Saints were completely dominant, there was still some pleasure to be had there. But the real passion for it had faded. Back in 1996-2002, beating Wigan was as sweet as nectar each time, after the miserable previous decade. After 2002, it seemed less important, and less relevant than beating Leeds or Bradford. Then Bradford declined, and only Leeds were left who I really cared about beating. I could never motivate myself to care as much about beating Wire. So it's good to have the Pies back to a place where beating them means something, rather than is just a pleasant expectation.

On the other hand, the sensation of losing to them has never changed - I hate it. Always hate it. I'm in a foul temper for at least 48 hours after each loss. The wife and kids know to avoid giving me an excuse to be stroppy at those times. Losing to any other club pales by comparison. I recover from defeats by other teams much faster.

Could not have put it better myself.

I'll be worried about Wigan again in 2022 as they win the Grand Final only once every 12 years. And that's with salary cap breaches. (Saints breaches were entirely honourable and forgiveable of course).

Prior to last season, getting beaten by Wigan in the SL was like being called names by a 3-year old: you take with good humour because they don't understand what they're saying. Last year, it was more like being beaten at chess by a 6-year old: embarrassing, but then you know that will probably be their high point in their lives.

I[m joking of course because the bite has never left the fixture. I remember pre-SL Wigan-Saints games in detail I don't for other fixtures. I even remember the weather for flip's sake!

So, what's it like to get beaten by Wigan? It's like a scream that echoes down your years and never quite goes away, even when you win.

LOL

Wigan finished top in 2000 with Saints 2nd. Saints went to win the GF. Two challenge cup finals since 1996. Not since the start of super league ............ mmm you have a selective memory.

Exactly! Even when Wigan breached the salary cap - ie in years other than 1998 and 2010 - they STILL didn't win the GF.

What was it I said about being name-called by 3-year olds....

The nice thing about winning is, Rogues goes on holiday
The worst thing about losing is, Rogues cancels his pre-booked holiday

Many thanks for all your help. Best responses will hopefully go into the Millennium Magic programme.

Have missed your blog, Chris!

when they were good and cheated in the olden days, it used to mean everything.

in recent times it's still been great, but didn't mean as much, because they were rubbish.

this year I suppose it will be good again as they have got a bit better.

Not sure, but I remember Karl Hammond playing out of position in the centres and Connolly eating him for breakfast. There was no chance of McCrae getting a new contract after that day IIRC.

Some really top replies on here, and the same on the Wigan board.

Nice to see (apart from the odd few) agree that Warrington are just trying to pretend there both our main rivals when really, there is only one real derby in SL.

Hope for a good un in Cardiff.