ON the day that ABBA won Eurovision 50 years ago, Warrington lost 2-10 in a First Division league game at Wigan, but their ground, Central Park, in that 1973/74 season certainly didn't provide a "Waterloo" for Alex Murphy's "Barmy Army"!
During that campaign Warrington "fought" six further "battles" at Central Park and won them ALL!
No away ground in a season has ever proved so fruitful for Warrington.
Here are those matches…
14 August 1973
Wigan (Locker Cup) 14-13
The start of it all, winning the pre-season friendly for the first time in six years.
31 October 1973
Wigan (Captain Morgan Trophy First Round) 12-4
Drop goals and goals are the only scores in this clash of a once-off newly sponsored competition.
9 February 1974
Rochdale Hornets (Player's No 6 Trophy Final) 27-16
A highly entertaining game where man of the match Kevin Ashcroft donated his monetary prize to Wigan's groundsman Billy Michell in recognition of his efforts to make the pitch playable after heavy rain.
10 March 1974
Wigan (Challenge Cup Quarter Final) 10-6
A very tough encounter is only separated courtesy of three Kevin Ashcroft drop goals. Mike Nicholas and Wigan pair Clarke and Cunningham are also dismissed by referee Kershaw.
23 March 1974
Dewsbury (Challenge Cup Semi Final) 17-7
See off the previous seasons Champions, sending Warrington to Wembley for the first time in 20 years.
18 May 1974
St Helens (Club Championship Final) 13-12
The final act of a stunning season, as Warrington win their fourth major knockout trophy, but it was close!
So Central Park, Wigan that season became a happy hunting ground – a definite home from home!
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