Episode 5 of an amazing new series featuring a Warrington family's previously unpublished cine film footage of Wire matches and special moments in the 1960s and 1970s
THIS video will bring back very special memories for fans and players of the time - when The Wire finished top of the table in the 1972/73 season.
Player-coach Alex Murphy can be seen being presented with the League Leaders' Rose Bowl before the team proudly parade the silverware around the Wilderspool Stadium pitch.
The ceremony took place before the kick-off of Warrington's 30-15 play-off win against Wigan on April 28, 1973, and was recorded on cine film by Cecil Waller and his son Mike, who is now sharing their footage of The Wire in the 1960s and 70s through the Warrington Guardian's website.
> Episode 4: Wire parade the Captain Morgan Trophy after historic triumph
In the cine film above, look out for the likes of Derek Whitehead, Dennis Curling, Frank Reynolds, Wilf Briggs, Derek Noonan, Parry Gordon, Dave Chisnall, Kevin Ashcroft, Brian Brady, Bobby Wanbon, Brian Gregory, Tommy Conroy and Mike Philbin as they all lined up alongside Murphy that day after the presentation.
That season proved to be quite a turnaround in the space of 12 months, with Warrington having finished 15th on the ladder in the 1971/72 campaign.
Tries from Dennis Curling, above, and Brian Gregory during the 1972/73 campaign. Pictures: Eddie Fuller
Murphy weaved his magic in his second full season in charge, bringing in talent like Kevin Ashcroft, Dennis Curling, John Grant, Brian Gregory, John Hart, Clive Jones, Mike Nicholas, Mike Philbin and Billy Pickup.
The Wire won 27 and drew two of their 34 league games to finish top of the 30-team ladder.
Featherstone Rovers were their nearest rivals, finishing two points behind.
By finishing first, Warrington were not champions as that season's supremos were determined by the play-offs and ultimately the Club Championship Final, which was won by Dewsbury.
For the record, this was the last time Warrington finished top of the table prior to the Super League era, in which they achieved the same feat in 2011 and 2016.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel