IT was the moment Warrington Wolves fans had been looking forward to for 14 months.
When the Wire snatched a dramatic late win over Castleford Tigers in March 2020, nobody in the 10,000-strong crowd could have imagined that it would be more than a year before they would be able to take in a game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium again.
And while the result was not the one supporters would have hoped for last night, attendees were grateful to be home once more.
This was a matchday experience with a difference though.
The capacity was limited to 4,000 season ticket holders, with masks to be worn at all times and no food or drink on sale inside the ground.
An empty concourse underneath the South Stand
These rules did not dampen the excitement at the turnstiles though.
Dave Nicholl was among the first through the doors.
He told the Warrington Guardian ahead of kick-off: "I'm really excited, I can't wait.
Dave with, from left, Caitlin Devon, Daniel Thomond and Gail Nicholl
"I've got jitters and everything.
"Fourteen months without coming here isn't right.
"It will be very strange, but the atmosphere should be amazing – it will feel like at least 40,000 are in."
The wolf cubs were out in force as well, with 10-year-old William Best delighted to have the chance to see his favourite players Stefan Ratchford, Chris Hill and Mike Cooper in action again.
And four-month-old Harry Butterworth was all kitted out for his first match alongside mum and dad Steve and Nicola.
Down the road at the King’s Head, it was a full house inside and out in the beer garden as fans resumed the traditional ritual of a pre-game pint or two.
Manager Paul Yates is hoping that their return will be a shot in the arm for the pub.
He said: "It's a godsend, we've really missed it.
"With us being the Rugby League Fan Club's Pub of the Year, it's like having your arms and legs cut off not having them here.
"We're so used to being busy, and when that's gone it's like a kick in the teeth.
"It's good to have them back and see people smiling.
"We've got a big screen out the back, so we've had a couple of games on out there – we had a good turnout and some light chanting.
"We're used to a party atmosphere, but there's nothing like the real thing."
Browse the gallery above for plenty more of Mike Boden's pictures of fans at last night's match.
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