Whilst Wigan in the cup is obviously my greatest Willows memory i thought i'd put some of the least obvious ones.

My very first game against Whitehaven in the 1988/89 season.

Being Steve Gibson's pen-pal.

Hull in around 2001/02. We were losing by around 14-16 points with around 10 minutes to go but ended winning thanks to 3 converted scores. One of which was a full length effort from Offiah who left a young Brian Carney in his wake.

Fata Sini's performance against Saints in 97.

The reaction to Chris Hicks missed last minute conversion attempt on Good Friday in 09.

My step-mum chasing Russel Smith back to his dressing room after a particulary poor reffing performance against London in 97/98ish.

Steve Kerry being carried off the pitch after a win. Pretty sure it was against Leigh in the late 80's and it was on tv.

That tune is (I think) The Liberty Bell by Sousa. The Radetzky March by Johann Strauss senior is the one they play on the Last Night of the Proms.

Your right it was The Liberty Bells. rlTunerl

Oh please, please, please, pleeeeeeease make this the tune the players run out to for the remainder of life at the Willows!!!

Alan Hunte also kicked 100% for Salford. IIRC he had kicked 1 towards the end of a season (I forget who against) then in another game later in the season, as we'd scored a try, Steve Blakeley was being substituted on, as he wasn't allowed to be subbed on and take the kick, we had no goal-kicker, so Alan stepped up again making it 2 out of 2.

As for my own personal memories of The Willows,

5-2 v Harlequins (1st Super League game to contain no trys),
Playing in the kids game at Half Time in the 31-30 win over Wigan,
Martin Offiah's drop goal v Bradford to make it 1-0,
David Hulme nailing a young Andy Farrell,
A fight v Wakefield with Bobbie Goulding just running around giving players on the outside of the 'huddle' digs in the back,
The Devil Duck,
Steven Tyrer's flick back to Fitzy v Hull last season was also pretty special,
Being mascot in Steve Blakeleys return game after his 'spell' at Warrington,
Every time Blakeley made a sandcastle to kick from, he wasn't having any of the new modern tee's,
Everyone in the ground singing "Alker For Britain" every time Brian Noble walked across the pitch v Wigan,
Generally watching the game from right next to the tunnel (where the classroom is now) with my older brother while my dad stood in the shed.

great post mate - have got great memories as well stretching back to my first game at the Willows.Think I must have been about 5 sat with my dad in front of the main stand on the front row of the seats then moving over to behind the sticks with the big scoreboard at the back (before the North Stand was built)

Then standing fifth step down in the NS terrace to the left of the sticks (directly in line with the "e" on Pontinental advert.Great memories (all with my dad who sadly is no longer here)...fantastic team of the early to mid-70's/2 league titles/Cup finals (sadly not the Challenge Cup ).Great crowds/packed stands...then moving over to the one and only Shed early 80's.

Will deff be "Shed"ding a tear on 11th Sept - wonderful times at The Willows - let's hope we move on to bigger and better times at Barton !!!

our very own "9 11"

memories later after i have put the hankies away

Having read all the posts you have put on here I must admit I was feeling for you all at the loss of the Willows. As I have already said, and also being a Swinton supporter, I remember many good visits to the ground during the derby games and it is without doubt (after Station Rd's demise) one of my favourite grounds to visit due to the closeness you get to the players all the smells you refer to i.e the linement in the days when we had winter rugby and yes the smell of the dreaded death burgers which still exists today.
However my very lasting memory of the Willows if all goes to plan will be watching the very last trophy held aloft at the ground in Aug/Sep of this year by Mr Lee wingfield, captain of Swinton Lions.

Do you honestly think there will be any grass left to play on after our last game? B&Q had better stock up on extra spades! That turf must be the best in rugby league

Not to sure if we finish our games before you but I do agree the playing surface is without doubt second to none.

Didn't Darren Treacy have a 100% goal kicking record? I remember him attempting a goal in the magnificent 22-2 win over Warrington the week before we were relegated aginst Cas but i'm not sure if he missed it or nearly missed it?

Complimenting Salford? Jeez, let me go and lie down.

I do remember that touch rugby game yes! However, the main thing I recall is trying to get near Phil Ford and the rubber man bouncing around all over the place so no-one could touch him. Jeez that man had the biggest step I've ever seen! BTW are you gonna get down here for the last game to say a fond farewell to the old place. Maybe we could get together for a pint and a real catch up! Hope so!!!