TWENTY years ago today, Wilderspool staged its last-ever Super League game as the Wire demolished Wakefield 52-12 infront of a sell-out crowd of over 9,200.
It was emotional and while the Halliwell Jones Stadium is clearly bigger and better in many respects – it will never be the same as “The Zoo!” – a nickname given to Wilderspool due to its sometimes hostile atmosphere.
Hosting packs with the likes of Les Boyd, Kevin Tamati and Bob Jackson, visiting teams could always be sure of a warm welcome!
I was lucky enough to be on the pitch taking photographs (I really do need to dig out the negatives and make them digital!) as I believe I was the only photographer to grab the last try ever scored on the ground in a Super League game by Sid Domic.
The atmosphere was electric, almost matching the historic night when a below-strength Warrington triumphed over the touring Australians when a controversial late Alan Gwilliam try gave Warrington a 15–12 win, with Steve Hesford kicking six goals.
It was an awesome night to be a teenager up at the back of the Fletcher End.
Bobby Fulton pictured with Wire skipper Billy Benyon at Wilderspool in 1979 – Picture Eddie Whitham
During those days I never missed a game home or away for more than a decade.
But then came along family life and lots of games televised live on TV and running my own business.
While the Halliwell Jones Stadium has fantastic facilities and has some memorable occasions, including the opening home game – against Wakefield, Nat Wood’s bizarre try celebrations against Wigan (see below) and Andrew Johns’ debut, it is yet to give me the same emotional attachment as Wilderspool.
Andrew Johns
But there again it has not been a big part of my life like Wilderspool was, a ground where I spent many hours behind the try line snapping away.
In those days I spent many hours meeting and interviewing coaches and players including the likes of Alex Murphy and Mike Gregory, along with the likes of Jackson, Tamati and Boyd.
Wolves legend Bob Jackson
I will never forget interviewing Tony Barrow while he was having a shower!
Things have certainly changed on that front with everything media managed now.
The game against Wakefield 20 years ago wasn’t actually the last game played. Reserve fixtures continued for several years.
The famous Wilderspool Stadium took its final curtain call as a sell-out crowd saw Warrington’s Under 16s stars of the future defeat Cumbria Academy Under 16s 46-16 in May 2014 – so next year will actually mark the 10th anniversary of the final game at the stadium, which is sadly no more and earmarked for a housing development.
Wilderspool may be gone – but it certainly isn’t forgotten.
The last ever Aussie war crey at Wilderspool – Picture Eddie Whitham
The former Wilderspool Stadium
Wilderspool pictured in 2015
The site pictured in 2018, with Fletcher Street houses in the background
Jonathan Davies in action at Wilderspool – Picture Eddie Whitham
The Halliwell Jones Stadium
⏪ An emotional day 20 years ago as we played our final Super League game at Wilderspool pic.twitter.com/S4cGqsX9js
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) September 21, 2023
