Warrington Wolves fans turned out in huge numbers to greet their rugby heroes on their homecoming parade
On a beautifully hot bank holiday Monday tens of thousands of fans and well wishers lined the streets and gathered at the Town Hall to welcome back their rugby heroes. Having overcome the odds and beaten Saint Helens in a thrilling Challenge Cup final the Warrington Wolves team were rewarded with an open top bus homecoming parade which brought throngs out to cheer them along.
After the bitter taste of defeat against the Catalan Dragons in last year’s final the taste of victory seemed to be very sweet. The Wolves were the underdogs for the final after losing 5 on the trot and Saint Helens being on a great run of form but in a superbly disciplined and error free performance the Wolves overturned the odds in grand fashion and ran out 18 – 4 victors.
Scheduled to be at the Bank Park gates for 2 pm, the massive numbers of spectators lining the route made the coach late with reports of streets 20 deep in places, such was the appreciation of the Warrington people intent on cheering the players on.
Led by a pipe band the open top bus made its way to the front of the Town Hall where they were welcomed by the Mayor of Warrington Cllr Wendy Johnson and other dignitaries.
After speeches to the massed fans by team Coach Steve Price, team captain Chris Hill and Lance Todd winner Daryl Clark several of the players spontaneously burst into songs bringing the crowd to a crescendo of noise and cheers.
After posing for photographs the Team, Mayor , Councillors and guests retired to the main chamber for a civic reception.
Warrington Wolves end final heartbreak with thrilling Wembley victory
Pictures Paul Jackson (top) and Eddie Whitham (below)
