SARAH Salisbury thought she had won a car but she was actually gaining a husband-to-be through a surprise marriage proposal on the pitch during the half-time break of Warrington Wolves’ win against Salford Red Devils.

Winning a competition to have use of a BMW for the weekend was Kevin Hatton’s cover story to make sure his wife-to-be was in the right place at the right time so that he could pop the question.

Kevin’s planning, with the help of his brother Dave, staff at the Super League club and Whizzy Rascal, all came together brilliantly on Thursday night and they were able to celebrate with a first win for The Wire in six matches.

Warrington Guardian: A tender moment for Kevin Hatton and Sarah Salisbury after she said 'yes' to his marriage proposal on the Halliwell Jones Stadium pitch during the interval of the Warrington Wolves versus Salford Red Devils game on Thursday, April 14, 2022. Picture: Warrington WolvesA tender moment for Kevin Hatton and Sarah Salisbury after she said 'yes' to his marriage proposal on the Halliwell Jones Stadium pitch during the interval of the Warrington Wolves versus Salford Red Devils game on Thursday, April 14, 2022. Picture: Warrington Wolves

Both of their mums, two of Sarah’s three sons and lots of friends were in the ground to see it all happen but there was a point in the week when Kevin, 48, an engineer at UL, was getting a little worried that the plans for the proposal to the 45-year-old Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School cook might be delayed.

“I only got the ring in my hands on Sunday, so I was having a bit of a sweat on,” said Kevin, who revealed he had made the suggestion of the pitch proposal to his brother Dave, a director in Wolves hospitality box holders Direct Taxis, a little off the cuff.

“The next thing I got a phone call from him saying it’s sorted for the next home game.”

Kevin said he had given some thought to proposing during a family holiday but added: “The rugby and Warrington’s ground means a lot to both of us.”

Whizzy Rascal, a child who drives a toy BMW as part of the club’s matchday entertainment programme, delivered the ring box to Kevin hidden inside a rugby ball and then he got down on one knee on the halfway line.

“I was absolutely gobsmacked, in proper shock, but I was absolutely made up. It was brilliant,” said Sarah.

Warrington Guardian: A tender moment for Kevin Hatton and Sarah Salisbury after she said 'yes' to his marriage proposal on the Halliwell Jones Stadium pitch during the interval of the Warrington Wolves versus Salford Red Devils game on Thursday, April 14, 2022. Picture: Warrington WolvesA tender moment for Kevin Hatton and Sarah Salisbury after she said 'yes' to his marriage proposal on the Halliwell Jones Stadium pitch during the interval of the Warrington Wolves versus Salford Red Devils game on Thursday, April 14, 2022. Picture: Warrington Wolves

“We’ve been living together for three years so it’s about time he made an honest woman of me.”

The Wire fanatics, who initially met online and have been together since bumping into each other at The Feathers during a night out five-and-a-half years ago, said they will make their wedding plans later this year.

Kevin said: “As soon as the fixture list comes out, we can start planning.”

And Sarah added: “It all revolves around the rugby.”

Kevin has been supporting The Wire since 1991 and Sarah since the club’s move to The Halliwell Jones Stadium, but they do not attend matches together and said that will not change after they are wed.

“We’ve both got our own separate rugby families,” said Kevin.

“Since the HJ was opened, Sarah has been on the South Stand on the 20-metre line and I’ve been sat in the North Stand on the 20-metre line. So we’ve been staring at each other for a long time, but we just didn’t know.”