FOR the second time, war brought a halt to Rugby League championship action.

Only friendlies were played during World War Two, 1939 to 1945. Wilderspool was commandeered for storage space and many Wire stars guested for other clubs during this period.

With no money coming in through the turnstiles, it left Warrington with difficulties in paying their bills. A meeting was called at the British Legion Club in 1942 and it was approved that the club should be formed as a limited company. In a successful bid to keep the club solvent a total of 10,000 shares, £1 each, were issued.

The shareholders were soon to see value for their money with the arrival of an unknown Australian navy stoker in 1945. It was the start of a new era at Wilderspool.

On November 10, 1945, Brian Bevan played a trial game in Warrington's A team against Widnes. Not surprisingly it was a try-scoring start and he received a standing ovation from the supporters.

A week later he played for the first team as a trialist and the legend had begun. Warrington signed him on immediately and Bevan promised to return after his discharge from the Australian Navy.

What an impact he had in 1946/47. Bevan set Wilderspool alight as he smashed the club's try scoring record with 48 tries in 42 appearances. His official debut came in the 10-5 second leg Lancashire Cup win at home to Salford, and again he was among the