My father used to say, “Look out for the W’s”, when trophies were being won in Rugby League. Quite rational advice since so many clubs have W as the first letter of their name.
This year Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors contested the Grand Final at Old Trafford. I had hoped that the final would have been St. Helens v Castleford Tigers but the Wolves and the Warriors had finished the season strongly and they treated us all to a tough uncompromising battle.
In recent weeks Old Trafford has been the home to the self-pity and introspection of elite footballers. On Saturday evening it was a place where athletes just got on with it, a place where egos were not welcomed. Giving 100% for your team, your mates and your town is what Rugby League players do. No excuses are given for failure.
The game had so many heroes. Ben Westwood is a veteran of over 500 first grade games. He is now 37 years old but he still has the hunger and courage to smash and to be smashed for the Wolves. Wigan’s skipper Sean O’ Loughlin is also a man heading towards middle age but he still is a titan on the pitch. Both of these men were born to play Rugby League. I can’t imagine them doing anything else. Apart from their skill and courage, both men typify the modesty and humility common to so many people who play the sport.
Dom Manfredi helped to win the title for Wigan. He scored 2 tries but his fight to overcome reconstruction surgery after rupturing crucial ligaments twice is a greater triumph.
It was a long drive home after the match but the journey was worth it. A day in Manchester, first class sport and delicious fish and chips from The New Don in Altrincham made for a satisfying day out.
Gordon's Gubbins. 