Cup kings Saints return in triumph

Sep 1 2008 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

THOUSANDS of well-wishers gathered in St Helens yesterday to welcome back their victorious rugby league heroes.

A two-hour open top bus tour through the town was followed by a civic reception at St Helens town hall for the Saints side after their third Challenge Cup victory in a row.

Fans and many buildings along the route were bedecked in the side’s distinctive red and white colours.

Thousands of spectators braved the rainy weather for the homecoming parade, followed by an official ceremony in Victoria Square attended by civic leaders where speeches and presentations were made.

St Helens council leader Brian Spencer said afterwards: “It was a good turn-out, especially considering the weather.

“A victory like this boosts the town and helps to put St Helens on the map, as well as giving more impetus to a new stadium when that arrives.”

A number of streets were closed off to allow the bus to snake its way through the town, and to allow as many people as possible to welcome back the team and view the cup.

Among the many fans who witnessed the scene were 20-year-olds Rachel Burck and Claire Smith, who were also at Wembley stadium to see St Helens beat Hull 28-16.

Rachel said: “It was absolutely fantastic, amazing.

“They just seem to get better every year. I’d like to see the town support the team more, but you can’t knock the fans who turned out in force to welcome them back.”

John Tarry and his sister, Liz Robinson, also travelled to Wembley to watch the final before returning to St Helens in time for the victory parade.

Mr Tarry, sporting a hat with a red and white scarf and the club’s St Bernard dog mascot, said: “It was a good afternoon’s entertainment, with two local bands appearing on a stage outside the town hall before the team arrived.

“We were right at the front and the whole square was packed.

“St Helens is only a small town but this, and all the other victories, helps to put us on the worldwide map.

“The Saints are a real community and a friendly, family club.

“Rugby is a completely different passion compared with football – there was no animosity between the two finalists and the fans of each side were joking and messing about with each other.

“We can talk to the players in the street and they’re not like superstars, they’re human.”

A number of others fans missed the victory parade because they had only just arrived back in town.

Among them were Paul Hurst and wife Eileen, and 12-year-old son Adam.

Mr Hurst said: “It was a great day out and a great weekend.”

alanweston@dailypost.co.uk