TRIPLE champions Saints enjoyed one of their biggest attendances of the season on Sunday -- and took not one penny at the turnstiles!

For the gates were thrown open to more than 10,000 ecstatic fans, who laid on a conquering heroes' welcome for the team that defeated holders Bradford Bulls in the Challenge Cup Final at Twickenham on Saturday.

The atmosphere was sheer carnival, with supporters from nine to ninety bedecked in red-and-white; sideshows and balloons for children with painted faces; unbiased video excerpts by Ron Hoofe, while Saints' stalwart Bill Bates deputised for the 'unavailable' St Bernard.

All this, and more besides, helped to while away the time before the arrival of Saints' captain Chris Joynt's super squad, whose progress from their Maidenhead hideaway to Knowsley Road was monitored every inch of the way.

Spurning their usual entry from beneath the main stand, Joynty and company emerged to an ear-splitting roar and -- sporting the Grand Final Trophy, World Club Challenge trophy and the latest silverware -- were individually introduced to the crowd by commentator Alan Rooney.

Each and every one of them, along with chairman Howard Morris and coach Ian Millward, were lavish in praise of the vocal support of the Knowsley Road faithful while, with formalities over the partying raved on after a boisterous rendering of 'When The Saints Go Marching In'.

But even that was several decibels lower than the tumultous applause that greeted a certain Super League result from The Valley, London!