Pictures from Warrington v Wigan 1990 Challenge Cup Final

After a wait of 15 years, it was glorious just to be back at Wembley supporting The Wire.

All pictures by Mike Boden and Eddie Fuller

And whether it was a victory or a defeat, the legions of primrose and blue in the capital were prepared to turn the eagerly anticipated occasion into a party.

Despite the 36-14 loss to arch-rivals Wigan in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup Final, 30 years ago today, it was the Warrington fans who cheered and sung the longest and loudest. It was a matter of pride, it was for our town, it was for the badge on the shirts.

Even when Wigan, stacked with full-time internationals, pulled away in the second half, BBC TV commentator Ray French had to look a few times before correcting summariser Alex Murphy to acknowledge that it was actually the Wire end of the ground making all the noise and creating a wonderful atmosphere while Wigan were on their way to a third successive Challenge Cup Final victory in what went on to be a record sequence of eight.

It was definitely the fans’ final.

Warrington’s barmy army wanted and got a lap of honour from their heroes, cloaking them in hats and scarves while shaking their hands and thanking their efforts as they wearily and despondently trudged by.

And there was a homecoming without the silverware, with thousands lining the streets from Woolston to the packed lawns of the Town Hall to again acknowledge the achievement of reaching the final and giving the fans a day out to remember for the rest of their lives.

The players couldn’t believe their eyes. They felt as though they had let the town down, and yet they were caught up in new-found Wire mania.

Eight months later Warrington won the Regal Trophy for the last time, in some ways rewarding the fans for their support they had shown the year before.

As for the contest on the field at Wembley, Wigan took control and never really lost it although a magnificent and now iconic try scored by captain marvel Mike Gregory against his hometown club late in the first half raised Wire hopes for the second period.

But it wasn’t to be and a stunning try scored by full-back David Lyon proved to be mere consolation on the day.

It was a good job that those who made the trip south from Warrington nevertheless made the most of the occasion and enjoyed the day, because they would have to wait 19 years to do it again.

Wigan: Tries: Denis Betts, Mark Preston (2), Kevin Iro (2), Ellery Hanley. Goals: Joe Lydon (6)

Warrington: Tries: Mike Gregory, Dave Lyon. Goals: Paul Bishop (2), Paul Darbyshire

Lance Todd Trophy winner for man of the match: Andy Gregory (Wigan)

Wigan: Steve Hampson; Joe Lydon, Kevin Iro, Dean Bell, Mark Preston; Shaun Edwards, Andy Gregory; Adrian Shelford, Martin Dermott, Andy Platt, Denis Betts, Andy Goodway, Ellery Hanley. Subs: Bobbie Goulding, Ian Gildart.

Warrington: David Lyon; Des Drummond, Gary Mercer, Paul Darbyshire, Mark Forster; Martin Crompton, Paul Bishop; Tony Burke, Duane Mann, Neil Harmon, Bob Jackson, Gary Sanderson, Mike Gregory. Subs: Billy McGinty, Mark Thomas.

Wire full-back David Lyon made a home movie of Wembley weekend, behind the scenes. Watch the incredible footage here:

Relive the 1990 Challenge Cup Final again, here: