I remember a mid season slump that year with back to back wins against Fev in the middle. Things got tough & Toppo picked up a few waifs & strays (Lazenby, Norton & a few others) & we then went on an end of season run which kept us up, including a great win against Leeds. A great season which ended the yo-yo years!

I seem to recall a cup-tie against Saints when we were well in front at half time and we absolutely collapsed and lost (nowt new there then), think it was Mark G's last game; but it is a very hazy memory, so perhaps I dreamt it.
There is also the tale (fact or fiction?) of when Mark Graham buggered off back home there was a speech in the dressing room 'bad mouthing' NZ players and that they had no backbone etc to cheers from the rest of the group and there was James Leuluai sat in the corner! (Now Jimmy was a good player for us, still had that class about him).

Quote PHe="PHe"I seem to recall a cup-tie against Saints when we were well in front at half time and we absolutely collapsed and lost (nowt new there then), think it was Mark G's last game; but it is a very hazy memory, so perhaps I dreamt it. There is also the tale (fact or fiction?) of when Mark Graham buggered off back home there was a speech in the dressing room 'bad mouthing' NZ players and that they had no backbone etc to cheers from the rest of the group and there was James Leuluai sat in the corner! (Now Jimmy was a good player for us, still had that class about him).'" www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seaso ... mmary.html

Quote PHe="PHe"I seem to recall a cup-tie against Saints when we were well in front at half time and we absolutely collapsed and lost (nowt new there then), think it was Mark G's last game; but it is a very hazy memory, so perhaps I dreamt it. There is also the tale (fact or fiction?) of when Mark Graham buggered off back home there was a speech in the dressing room 'bad mouthing' NZ players and that they had no backbone etc to cheers from the rest of the group and there was James Leuluai sat in the corner! (Now Jimmy was a good player for us, still had that class about him).'" www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seaso ... mmary.html

I have the 88/89 season highlights on vhs somewhere.
Beat Saints at home, in persistent rain, James Leuluai scored off a penalty that hit the post.

Thanks for that link, it was the John Player cup match away, I seem to recall that we were 18 nil up, prior to our 'crash'.

Was that one one where Paul Vautin was playing for Saints?

Derr! Just clicked the scoring link. I was there, thought we were on for an upset at 18-2 up!

My memory aint that good that it covers our opposition.


However seeing as he scored then he must have been.


ps I cheated and looked at the above link

Looking at those fixtures brings back many happy memories, especially the end of season victory at Thrum Hall.

What an atmosphere there was that day at Halifax and what a comeback we made in the 2nd half too. I am biased as well since he is my favourite Trin player but I loved the singing that day of "You are my Conway, my Billy Conway..."

My first ever game also. We set off like a house on fire then got undone by Salford and in particular their big blonde winger called Tex Evans (I think). Was a slog after that but I was hooked.

Great come back inspired and led by Billy Conway. Also remember that it was the 1st time I ever heard the Y.F.B. chant when Brendon Hill was waiting to come on as sub for Fax.

This game as they say is a big test. It's Chester first game where you could say he's totally in charge. The Easter games were all down to the lads IMO though he will have had some influence over the Salford game.

It's also a shot yourself in the foot game in that we are marginal favourite due mainly to Wigan's injury woes. But as has already been mentioned Wigan's squad has some real depth so beating them and winning four in a row is a huge ask - though it is possible.

I'll be truly impressed if we win this one and I hope we do but would not be surprised if we suffer a setback - so long as it's not a total disaster I can live with it - just.

Must add though, winning is great and I really could get used to it