THE World Cup's over, with France taking the title 4-2 against Croatia in Russia yesterday, and as a farewell to the tournament here is a light-hearted look at the connection between England football, songs, world cup tournaments and Warrington rugby league.
World Cup Willie:
World Cup Willie was the mascot when England were winning the football World Cup of 1966, at the same time as our own ‘Willie’, stand-off Willie Aspinall, was Down Under trying to help Great Britain win the Ashes.
Willie Aspinall
A Star Is Born:
On the day England won the World Cup on 30 July, 1966, halfway round the world, in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia, a future hero of the fans at Wilderspool was born. This scrum-half legend’s name.. Alfie Langer.
Allan Langer
It's Coming Home:
With France being in this year's World Cup Final, back in 1954 the first Rugby League World Cup Finals took place there and was won by Great Britain. In the winning team were two Warrington players, left centre Ally Naughton, and scrum-half Gerry Helme. Gerry scored a try in the play-off final 16-12 victory over France. Ironically the last time Great Britain won the World Cup, it was also played in France… way back in 1972…and the venue for that was Lyon!
Ally Naughton, far right, celebrating a Brian Bevan try for Warrington
Gerry Helme on the attack for The Wire
Vindaloo:
Our own hot Ben Currie, who played in last year's World Cup final, had his 24th birthday yesterday - on this year's World Cup Final date.
Ben Currie in defence mode for Wolves earlier this year. Picture: Mike Boden
Three Lyons On A Shirt:
Well not exactly three, … just two who have put on the Wire shirt. Dennis Lyons was a loose-forward signed from St. Helens who played for the club (April 1975 – March 1976) and David Lyon (October 1987 – April 1992), full back and Great Britain tourist.
David Lyon
Bobby More:
The last time Warrington players were involved in a Great Britain World Cup winning side was in 1960. Eric Fraser was full-back in a couple of games, and kicked 10 goals in total. Bobby Greenough, Wire's regular stand-off, was played on the wing. Bobby played in no more than one game. It would be 30 years later when commemorative medals were issued to the winners.
Bobby Greenough in 2009
Back Home:
Three times in the summer era Warrington Wolves have played on the same day that the World Cup Final has been played, so while the football was abroad, ‘back home’ Warrington were playing… and winning! In 2006 v Huddersfield Giants 30-26, 2010 v Castleford Tigers 54-30 (with 9 goals from super Bennie Westwood) and 2014 v London Broncos 72-12 (Joel Monaghan 4 tries, and hat-tricks to England players Ben Currie and Chris Hill. Chris Bridge kicked 10 goals.)
One of Joel Monaghan's four tries. Picture: Mike Boden
Come On…England:
And he did, prop-forward Anthony England came on as a substitute on 24 occasions for the club between February 2014 and August 2015.
Anthony England against Bradford Bulls in 2014. Picture by Mike Boden
The World…In Motion:
Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach only played 20 games for Warrington in season 1988-89, but during his time here he was a World Cup winner. After four games the Balmain prop-forward flew over 11,000 miles, back to Auckland, New Zealand, to help Australia win the Final 25-12, then flew back to continue his Warrington career! He remains ‘our’ last World Cup winner.
Steve Roach on the charge, with Phil Blake, left, and Mark Roberts offering support
Compiled by Stan Lewandowski
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