THE Challenge Cup draw this week will have evoked many emotions for Warrington Wolves fans.
And not just the obvious cup final successes and homecomings, but the journeys to unaccustomed grounds and some of the antics.
Those who were there will never forget the pantomime treat provided by Wire fan Alan Catterall as he gave the Oldham Bears mascot a run for his money.
With the Watersheddings pitch covered in snow for the Challenge Cup contest 25 years ago, the two sides trooped off the field at half-time for a warming cup of tea when Catterall - nicknamed 'The Cat' - decided to give the mischievous Oldham mascot Buster a taste of his own medicine.
Fed up with the bear showing off with his body-popping dancing skills in the snow, 'The Cat' decided to climb over the wall and give chase.
The startled Buster couldn't believe his eyes but after one sight of the big and hungry-looking Wire fan heading his way he decided to turn and scarper.
Pictures by Mike Boden
But he was too late.
'The Cat' caught him with a rugby tackle from behind as the crowd roared with laughter.
Playing to the crowd and milking his moment in the spotlight, 'The Cat' encouraged and soaked up the applause.
But he didn't realise the fans were shouting back: "He's behind you!"
Buster came from Catterall's blind side and got even with a rugby tackle of his own from behind.
As the stewards caught up with 'The Cat' to march him off the pitch, fans discussed it being one of the best pieces of impulsive half-time entertainment they had probably ever seen.
Afterwards, the Guardian tracked down the man behind the bear suit, Michael Bradshaw, and played mediator as the two shook hands and made friends.
As for the match itself, The Wire won 26-4 thanks to tries from Oldham lads Paul Sculthorpe and John Hough, ex-Oldham scrum-half Mike Ford, Mark Forster and Lee Penny, while another Oldham native Iestyn Harris kicked three goals.
Wire skipper Paul Cullen and Oldham captain Martin Crompton, the former Wire scrum half, with mascots and match officials before kick off.
Mark Forster's try
Iestyn arris tries to get away from Francis Maloney
Lee Penny, Iestyn Harris and Kelly Shelford celebrate Paul Sculthorpe's try
Mark Hilton charges the ball in for Warrington
Warrington bounced out of the cup six days later at home to Leeds Rhinos.
They were the last two games Wire played before the arrival of Super League and summer rugby seven weeks later.
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