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impetus
noun [ S or U ]
uk /ˈɪm.pɪ.təs/ us /ˈɪm.pə.t̬əs/
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something that encourages a particular activity or makes that activity more energetic or effective
Eleven losses. That was the grim reading supporters of the Cherry and White faced after the loss in the capital against London Highfield. January 1934 gave us seven league matches and three losses. The hope that Wigan had of rallying towards a potential Championship play-off was hanging by a thread. A nice distraction would be a good run in the Challenge Cup. The two-time winners would start February away at Wakefield Trinity. In a match not known for it's game play, Wigan won thanks to Vernon Case and Jack Morley tries, along with Sullivan's four goals. Wigan would progress towards a second round tie against second placed York at the end of February.
Wigan celebrated the anniversary of their Flimby & Fothergill match, on Valentines Day, by beating bottom side Featherstone Rovers 26-2. The original match was abandoned due darkness as Wigan turned up late to FlatCapLand with Wigan losing after sixty minutes' play. Luckily, the re-arranged fixture on a Wednesday afternoon went only one way. Jack Morley grabbed another two tries, along with Dicky Twose, who was now relishing his chance in the team due to the absence of Joe Wilson. The pick of the tries came from terrace favourite Howarth who made a full length try look easy. Jim Sullivan kicked nine goals in a convincing and expected 26-2 victory which gave Wigan their sixteenth league win and a place in the top 10.
Central Park was the venue for the visit of Broughton Rangers on February 17th. The Rangers were swilling towards the bottom of the league alongside Bradford Northern and Bramley and spirits were high amongst Wiganers of avenging their October loss over at Belle Vue.
New Zealand centre Gordon Innes returned to his position against Featherstone Rovers a week previous after injury and was in amongst the tries as Broughton became the first team to be nilled at Central Park during the current season. Shockingly, Jackie Morley failed to score any of Wigan's seven tries but by now he was joint top try scorer in the league along with Salford's Brown, but Jim Sullivan kicked another nine goals to improve his season's tally. 18 goals in two matches for Sully left him on 129 for the season. The 5,000 supporters who turned up on Saturday afternoon were treated to fine weather and a first try for relative new signing Bill Targett. Again, half-back George Bennett was outstanding and his try was a peach. Starting on Wigan's own line, the ball moved and found it's way to Bennett who saw an opening and went the full length. His 19th try was a post-War Wigan record of tries scored by a half-back and also helped Wigan to tip over the 500 point mark for the season.
The two win's in a week propelled Wigan up to eighth in the league table, overtaking Hull, Widnes and Swinton in the process. Talk, however, was on the Cup tie with high flying York. Special training in the lead up to the game was had. Usually, Targett and Golby trained in Yorkshire during the week and came to Wigan on match days. This week, however, they made special arrangements to train with the team mid-week. They had understanding employers I take it. Wigan's chairman, Alderman Walkden, commented that "While we are opposed to one of the finest teams in Yorkshire, I fully believe that we shall win. There has been a vast improvement in our forwards and all the players are tremendously keen on getting to Wembley again." Walkden was expecting a 20,000 crowd at Central Park for the visit of York.
But of course, when things are going well there is always something to bring you back down to earth. York came to win and did so by a 13-7 score line. 28,000 souls turned up at Central Park to witness Wigan be knocked out of the competition. Nothing more needs to be said. Innes' season seemed to come to an end when he tore thigh muscles and had to limp off the field in the first half.
The highlight of the day for Wigan supporters was pre-match during a game between Wigan and Swinton schoolboys. A dog ran onto the pitch and showed such pace and athleticism when it race around a few defenders and then down the touchline. There is always next season for the Cup (or as it turned out, 1948). The 28,000 gate was easily the largest of the Round whilst Salford v Halifax saw 24,500 at The Willows.
In the lead up to the York game, Wigan, along with the Warrington club, were approached to play a Charity match in Dublin, Ireland. A touring French team, which included Jean Gallia, would come to Wigan on March 10th also. March would also see Wigan hope to get their heads back into the race for a play-off position. Featherstone Rovers were due at Central Park on March 3rd, just over two weeks since their thrashing.
As it turned out, bottom club Featherstone were woeful. Wigan found the visit of the Rovers to be an easy affair. Featherstone had never beat Wigan and never looked like achieving that from the kick off. Nine tries and another nine goals by Sully gave Wigan a convincing 45-3 victory. Jack Morley grabbed a hat-trick, to bring his season total to 32, whereas Gee (2), Bennett, Howarth, Kershaw and Twose added to the visitors' misery. With Sullivan kicking his 141st goal of the season, he was only 31 behind his World Record tally and excitement was beginning to build. Excitement also as Wigan rose to seventh spot, with a game in hand and only three points behind fourth placed Warrington.
A comfortable 9-3 victory away at Mather Lane in Leigh was a notable warm up for what Wigan had in store next. The win moved Wigan up to sixth in the table. The images above will tell you exactly how Wigan defeated the Leythers.
Wigan were never short of being pioneers. They were the first team to win at Wembley, to play at White City, London, and the first team to now host a French team. The French had been training at Headingley since arriving in the UK. Of course, the French team were treated by the Mayor of Wigan to a civic reception, which is standard. Despite the unfavourable weather, 10,000 turned out at Central Park to welcome Gallia's team. The heavy ground was a handicap to the visitors, especially their backs, but they did themselves proud. A 30-27 score line suggested that there was hope yet for French rugby, despite the politics going on back over in France.
Indeed, the French scored more tries than Wigan: 7 to 6 - but of course, Wigan had Jim Sullivan and his boots. Sullivan would inevitably captain an England side to face France, at Wilderspool, the following Saturday and hence miss an away trip to Swinton.
Back in the League, Wigan were soon running out of matches to make an assault on the top four places. An away trip to Swinton and a re-arranged Central Park match against high-fliers York were up in mid-March. What must have seemed a lull in respect of transfers was quashed by the Wigan directors. Warrington had put up Charles Seeling for transfer. His father played for Wigan in the glory days before the War and the Warrington club got his signature after seeing his potential playing at junior level in Wigan. Seeling was named straight into the side to face Swinton on March 17th and was seen as the final piece in the Wigan Forward Puzzle. At loose forward, Wigan had signed Reg Hathway and George Kershaw during the season and also played Ossie Griffiths beforehand. Wigan wouldn't let a quality player like Seeling go elsewhere.
Sullivan kicked seven goals to help England to a 32-16 win and move to within 17 goals of his record, with eight matches still to play in the regular season. Elsewhere in Lancashire, Wigan were at war with sixth placed Swinton. A missed goal attempt by stand-in kicker Dicky Twose was the difference between the two sides as the Lions held Wigan to a 9-7 victory. Wigan lost ground in their pursuit of a top four position and Sullivan's boot was indeed missed.
Vernon Case had a perfect opportunity to show what he could do after having limited playing chances since his arrival, but he failed to catch the eye of anyone. Billy Howarth deputised at fullback in Sully's absence and, like Case, didn't show anything remarkable. This result left Wigan in ninth, two points off a top four position. York, who were still holding on to second place, were midweek visitors to Central Park in a match that would see the return of Sullivan.
With what seemed to be a remote chance of participating in the Rugby League Championship Semi-finals, Wigan's smouldering embers were rekindled on the Wednesday night with the visit of York. Jack Morley, who had not scored in his previous two matches, was missing. It told, as apparently Wigan's backs were 'spasmodic': brilliant at one point and disappointing in the next. Wigan won 21-14 thanks to tries from Bennett, Case, Davies, Golby and Twose. It didn't help York's cause when fullback Dingsdale and centre Moores collided. Both players needed stitches whilst Moores suffered from concussion. With the Wigan backs 'struggling', it was in the forward line where Wigan excelled. What was missing in 1932-33, was now on view in abundance this campaign. The inclusion of Charles Seeling (junior, as the old time Wigan supporters now called him) was the icing on what was to come for Wigan.
The win briefly elevated Wigan up to fifth in the table, and by now were back on track for games played. They would end the week in seventh after wins for Keighley and Warrington.
With six matches remaining and March coming to a close, it meant it was time for a lovely Good Friday match against St Helens at Central Park. Wigan (and all clubs to be fair) would have to negotiate three matches in four days over the Easter period. For the Cherry and Whites, the Good Friday match would be followed the next day by travelling away to fifth placed Hunslet, and then to Weaste to face top of the table Salford on Easter Monday.
In the run up to the Easter period, permission was granted by the Rugby League Council for both the Wigan and Warrington clubs to play a match at Shelbourne Park, Dublin, on May 12th. Yet another pioneering game for the Wigan club.
15,000 locals enjoyed an opening Wigan onslaught of the Saints' try line. Wigan were cruising until the thirtieth minute when centre Billy Howarth torn ligaments in his left and had to retire. This meant Wigan losing a body from the pack (Mason) into the centres which affected their scrimmaging. The score could have been a lot more than the final 27-3 as a result, such was Wigan's fine attacking play to that point. Gwyn Davies scored twice, along with a Jack Morley pearler, George Bennett and Len Mason tries. Sullivan kicked six goals to edge closer to his record. Wigan were now fifth, with fourth-placed Hunslet to play the following day. Howarth's injury was serious enough that he would end up missing the remainder of the season, and see Wigan without three 'first choice' centres - if you call Howarth a centre, having played in all positions bar kit man this season.
The flying feet and swerving body of Jack Morley on the Wigan right wing twice carried him clear on the touchline edge in the second half of a grand match at Parkside. The 12,000 spectators got more than their monies worth in a thrilling tie between the two clubs, both hunting that top four spot. Jim Sullivan was the inspiration, firstly, of building up a 10-6 lead at half time and rallying his men when they went behind in the second half to 25-14 victory, and with it, fourth place. With Jack Morley grabbing two tries, one to win it, Dick Twose impressed on the other wing. Why Wigan had dropped Twose in the early season was a wonder to many in the town, given his form. The final try by Morley had eventually seen off a Hunslet rally.
With five goals added to his tally, Sullivan was now three goals shy of his world record. Salford had secured top spot in the League by defeating local rivals Swinton narrowly. Their 61 points was 14 clear of second placed York. Salford were next.
Salford, sitting pretty at the top of the table, welcomed Wigan to Weaste on Easter Monday. They were unbeaten at home and had already secured top spot. But, inevitably, the news and headlines had to go to one man:
JAMES SULLIVAN
April 2nd, 1934 would see yet more records broken from this great man. Three goals in a 21-10 win meant that Sully had broken his own world record for goals scored when he knocked over his 173rd of the campaign. As well as being Salford's first home defeat of the season, Wigan were now the only club to register the "double" over the Salfordians this campaign. It was the first time this season that Wigan had won four games in a row and was most welcome. An unbeaten Easter saw Wigan lie third in the League, a far cry from a few weeks previous when hope seemed to be lost after their narrow defeat to Swinton.
Throughout the game, Salford were at a loss, unlucky with injuries and playing with twelve men. 10 of Wigans points came when influentual fullback Osbaldestin was off the pitch injured. Jack Morley grabbed two more tries to add to his personal tally, whilst tries from Twose (2) and Sullivan saw Wigan win from the off. They were playing Championship football. The main difference was in the pack. New transfers for the season in Targett, Golby, Hathway, Seeling, and Edwards made it look as though they had been playing at Wigan for seasons. Despite Len Mason's absence in the forwards (he was now playing at centre such were Wigan's problems in the position ~ you wouldn't be far off 'Tuigamala vibes'), Wigan were comfortable in defence. Joe Golby was a doubt for the Halifax match the following Saturday as he was stretchered off with a knee injury.
Halifax, who were also making a bid for a place in the top four, will be attractive visitors to Central Park on April 7th. The Thrum Hall men lay a spot behind Wigan on points difference and had a game in hand. At a meeting of the Rugby League Council on Easter Tuesday (if you can call it that), Jim Sullivan was selected to England to face France in Paris on Sunday, April 15th. The timing couldn't have been worse. A day earlier, Wigan were due to play Hull in the final league game of the campaign, and with a top four spot still not secure, Wigan had poor form in the absence of Jim. With Billy Howarth also absent, it was unclear who would fill in at fullback.
But that issue could wait a few days. Halifax were next in the League. A win would spearhead Wigan into the top four and have a bit of daylight between them and 'fax, whereas a loss would open the door for Hunslet and Leeds, as well as Halifax, to secure a top four finish. York were still hanging on to second spot behind Salford but games were running out for their rivals. Prior to the Halifax match on April 7th, re-arranged games were played midweek. This saw Wigan drop from third to fifth, Leeds and Halifax leapfrogging Wigan.
Statisticians scrambled for what record Sullivan would break next. On the list was his 2,000th career goal, to which Jim was thirteen short of. He woas also 11 points shy of beating his aggregate points tally for a season (374, in 1922-3). The upcoming post-season match in Dublin against Warrington received a boost. A trophy would be awarded and hopes of an annual game of rugby league in the city was proposed.
Central Park saw a big "gate" for top-four hopefuls Halifax on April 7th. 16,000 troubled the turnstile operators. It took Wigan five or six minutes before they started to camp on the Halifax goal line, a position which they never really moved from for the remaining 74 minutes. In every department Wigan were vastly superior. Gwynne Davies' hat-trick was most welcome for him. At half-time, the score read 6-0 in Wigans favour. Forty minutes later, it was 30-0. Jack Morley grabbed another two tries - his tenth try in eight matches - whereas Gee, Targett and Twose also crossed. Jim Sullivan must have been feeling the pressure of his new world record, and records yet to be broken, as he only managed to convert three goals. It was arguably Wigan's best attacking performance of the season as Morley and Twose had the speed, Davies and forward Len Mason in the centre providing the skill to open the gaps. Charlie Seeling Junior was the pick of the forwards, not having a battle lost all match. Indeed, Wigan's transformation since Easter was arguably down to two things: the signing of Seeling at loose forward, and the move to the centres of Len Mason.
Five wins on the bounce saw Wigan leapfrog Halifax into fourth position. They were sat on 48 points having played 36 matches. Above them, Leeds (50) and York (49) had played a game more. Wigan had a game in hand with mid-table Oldham on the following Tuesday evening. Given Wigan's points scored and against being favourable, two wins would see Wigan finish an unlikely second!
As it turned out Wigan would go into the Oldham match in fifth position. Halifax notched a win a day earlier to jump into third place after being successful in their own game in hand. The Wigan selectors chose the same team that dominated Halifax a few days earlier for the trip to Watersheddings.
A gate of 8,000 for a Tuesday evening saw Jim Sullivan notch his 376th point of the season, and with it yet another record. It was a tough match with the result in doubt until the final stages. Until Len Mason managed to get over the try line in the second half, Oldham had an eye on victory despite being behind 9-5 at the break. It was only when Len Mason broke through the defence that Wigan could relax somewhat. Jim Sullivan signed off his regular season campaign with three goals before heading to Paris on Saturday. Wigan now lay second with fifty points, equal with Leeds and Halifax and a point above fifth placed York who were in freefall.
Jim Sullivan's selection caused a headache for Wigan. The directors put ahead a proposal to the Rugby League Council in that they wished Jim Sullivan to play against Hull on the Saturday, and then fly to Paris after the match to play for England on the Sunday. This was refused. The England selectors knew how vital it was to have Jim Sullivan as captain, fit and healthy, playing in Paris. They themselves didn't want to risk an injury to the Star name. As a result, and with the absence of Billy Howarth, Wigan named Ossie Griffiths at fullback to face Hull. Griffiths had started the season at loose forward but lost his place once Reg Hathway was signed. They plucked him from obscurity. A loose forward, low in confidence, playing at fullback in a game that Wigan had to win to reach an unlikely second place finish! And who would kick the goals?
The win at Oldham midweek was Wigan's tenth win in eleven. Jim Sullivan would travel to Paris with John Counsell, a Wigan director and stalwart of the club, who was also travelling to Paris in his official capacity with the Rugby Football League. His Diary read: Apr. 14th - Left Wigan for London and Paris via Dover and Calais. Arrived Paris 8-45 French time. Went with Hutchins and Howarth in taxi Arc de Triomphe, Lido, Maxims, etc. Retired to bed rather late.
Not bad for Counsell, swanning around Paris. But for the doom and gloom that was the absence of Sully, Wigan had to focus and make sure of defeating Hull on April 14th. On offer was qualifying for the play-offs for the third time in four seasons. Considering where Wigan were mid-way in the table barely two months previous, their occupancy of second place with a match to go was a remarkable feat.
More remarkable was the fact that Charlie Seeling played an outstanding game against Halifax, but with news emerging that his infant son was laid to rest a few hours earlier. George Bennett too was chasing down a long standing half-back try scoring record of his own. In 1909-10, Johnny Thomas managed to score 27 tries for Wigan, Bennett was within touching distance.
In the end, Wiganers need not have worried about the absence of Sullivan. Dicky Twose kicked seven goals as Wigan's seven tries ensured a second placed finish. Gwynne Davies' recent good form continued, crossing twice, along with tries from Bennett, Gee, Mason, Morley and Seeling. Hull were beaten from the off, conceding in the first minute, as they fell to a 35-10 loss. Wigan's superior points tally's ensured they finished above Leeds and Halifax, with those three teams ending on 52 points.
Warrington's loss is always Wigan's gain. Seeling played outstandingly at loose forward, handling the ball like a back and laid on tries for Dicky Twose and Gwynne Davies. Morley's first half try, which consisted of a combined clever dribble and smart pick up before racing over, was most spectacular. Wigan's seventh win in a row set up a home play-off tie with third placed Leeds.
Over in Paris, Our Jim scored seven goals in front of 20,000 spectators at the Buffalo Stadium
A thrilling game was expected at Central Park for the visit of Leeds. The two clubs hadn't met each other in the League since the final game of the season in 1932, such were fixture lists back then. In the other semi final, Gus Risman's defending Champions Salford played host to Halifax. Wigan had managed to get the edge over Leeds and Halifax by scoring more points, viz., 715, which was the highest of any club in the league. The last seven matches did much to revive interest in rugby at Wigan, having won them all, scoring 171 points against 58. Such was the interest in the Wigan-Leeds game, notice was given out around Wigan to the unemployed who are admitted for 7d. on production of their card. They were told to get there early or else risk missing out on the match. During the previous match against Hull, the unemployed queue reached as far back as Greenough Street! For those who are not familiar with Central Park and it's surrounds, it snaked roughly 500 metres over the River Douglas.
Such was the ease in which Wigan overcame Hull, the local press joked that Sullivan would be nervous at losing his place in the starting XIII. This, of course, was ridiculous. Over at RL HQ, decisions were being made as to where the Championship Final would be held, depending on which teams progressed. Fartown, Warrington and Rochdale were chosen for geographical reasons. A headache was also raging within another part of RL HQ. Oldham had decided to travel to Dublin themselves after an offer to play there was given to them. This game, potentially against Rochdale Hornets, would be played on April 28th, two weeks prior to the already arranged Wigan-Warrington tie on May 12th. Both Wigan and Warrington had protested at this and regarded this potential game with Oldham as "a very unfriendly act". A telegram was sent from Dublin by the promoters of the Wigan match: "Protest most strongly against suggested match on April 28. As arranged ours would be first Rugby League match in Ireland. Otherwise, breach of faith with our supporters here. Have to-day made arrangements for a valuable trophy. Take matter up strongly with your League Council."
A rally without parallel as far as Wigan are concerned in such an important match turned what appeared to be certain defeat into victory over Leeds at Central Park. That is what the headlines would be in the morning papers. 27,857 people from all over South West Lancashire and West Yorkshire descended into Wigan on Saturday 21st April 1934 to witness a Classic.
Leeds were looking to get one over Wigan. They had seen what the Colliers had done with Len Mason - moving a second row forward into the centres and did it themselves. Aspinall, the Leeds second row was chosen in the centres to counter Mason's efforts and he excelled in the role. But it was not enough. The large crowd witnessed an enthralling game that had Leeds winning 10-2, only for the final twelve minutes to see Wigan rally and come out 14-10 winners.
In an edgy first half, Leeds went in at the break 4-2 up. Wigan had taken the lead via a Jim Sullivan penalty early in the first half, to which Leeds matched moments later. The early stages were of testing each other out. A missed pass, following a brilliant run by Gwynne Davies, almost cost Wigan later in the half before Edwards hauled down the breaking Busch of Leeds yards from the line. A penalty for Leeds on the stroke of half time would send the near 30,000 crowd anxious going into the final 40.
Two quick-fire tries in the second half gave Leeds a 10-2 lead. Wigan by now looked beaten. But then the rally came as the game edged towards the 70th minute. Leeds winger Harris, one of the finest in the League, then made a costly error. George Bennett, the wigan half back, had kicked through which left Harris, running inwards from the touchline, tried to pick up the ball instead of dropping on to it. He failed to gather it, fumbled, and allowed the advanced Bennett to pick up and score. With Sullivan adding the extra points, the deficit came down to five points.
Minutes later, Leeds were pegged back into their half when a penalty was awarded to Wigan a distance out. Sully made allowance for the wind, and after a shout of "HE'S MISSED!" had come from the spectators, the ball swerved in from the far post and went over to reduce the deficit to a single point.
As the 74th minute ticked by on the referee's time piece, Jack Morley stepped up. After great play by Targett and Edwards, the Leeds winger Smith found himself behind the goal line and looked to avert the rushing Morley of any danger. It looked as if he had done enough as Smith had the ball under his arm as he went behind the posts, but Jackie Morley made a grab for the ball, secured it and held it as Smith grounded the ball. The referee without hesitation awarded the try. Eight minutes had elapsed by the time their eight-point lead had vanished. This knocked the wind out of the Loiners who felt the try should not have been awarded.
The Rugby League rule (of the time) was clear: "If an attacking player is checked, but not tackled, by an opponent over the goal line and both go to ground the ball together, and the ball is touched down by both of them at the same time, it is a try." Morley was the hero. Jim Sullivan added the extra 2 points as a result and Wigan went on to their Championship Final.
Salford did the necessary against Halifax in the other semi final (28-3), which meant that as there were two Lancashire clubs, the Final would be held at Wilderspool, Warrington on April 28th.
More news of a positive nature came Wigan, and Warrington's way. The Emergency Committee of the Rugby League Council (do we need this in 2025?) refused an application by the Oldham club to play an exhibition match with Rochdale Hornets in Dublin.
So it was to be: Salford versus Wigan for the Championship. The top two teams hastily made preparations for the Championship Final in the week building up to it. Jim Sullivan had by now extended his world record goals scored to 190 for the season, whereas former Wigan winger Lou Brown, now of Salford, was leading the try scoring charts on 45 - two ahead of Jackie Morley. Brown had left Wigan in 1930 and certainly excelled himself post-Central Park.
Salford would certainly prepare well. They decided that they would escape to the rural surroundings of Hawkston Park, an ideal spot, complete with golf course and other facilities situated between Market Drayton and Shrewsbury, and return Friday. Wigan would remain in Wigan.
Thoughts were with the Wilderspool ground on Friday 27th April. How many people could Wilderspool hold? They would find out tomorrow. The current record crowd was 27,100, a figure which was sure to be broken. In the build up to the Saturday, extra crush barriers were fitted in at Wilderspool on the popular sides.
So, the Press were asking who would win? Salford were the dominant team of the period and flew to first position in the League, whilst Wigan were on a long unbeaten run and had already done the "double" over Risman's Salford. Wigan's poor first half of the season was in stark contrast to the final third of the campaign, whilst Salford were the consistent team.
On the wings, Salford were without 28-try Hudson through injury, whilst Dicky Twose would be up against top try scorer Bob Brown. Gwynne Davies, the Wigan centre was seen as being quicker off the mark than opponent Gus Risman... and so the comparisons were made all week in the papers.
It wasn't long before the "Sold Out" signs were put up. After 48 hours of sales, all reserved seating was sold, meaning you'd have to be one of the squashed mortals if you wanted to witness the struggle. Motorists had been told to park before they reach Warrington Bridge, whereas those travelling from Manchester were advised to park closer to Stockton Heath to avoid blockages.
All records for the Wilderspool ground were broken on Saturday April 28th, 1934. From an early hour, supporters poured into Warrington in their thousands. When Mr. Dobson, the referee put his whistle to his lips, 31,565 were in attendance with the gates locked fifteen minutes before kick off. It was a scene to behold.
Teams
Salford: Osbaldestin; Pearson, Miller, Risman, Brown; Jenkins, Watkins; Williams, Day, Bradbury, Casewell, Middleton, Feetham
Wigan: Sullivan; Morley, Mason, Davies, Twose; Bennett, Gee; Targett, Golby, Edwards, Hathway, Davis, Griffiths
Salford Captain W.A. Williams won the toss to give Salford the advantage of a slight wind, but the first dangerous move came from Wigan. From the kickoff Feetham gathered the ball but was pushed into touch by Reg Hathway. Then the ball went out to Jackie Morley who then got up to full speed before play was stopped as Wigan were judged to have made an infringement in the play.
From this resulting penalty for Salford, Gus Risman kicked well into the Wigan half and found touch. The first thrill of the match came when centre Miller found his wingman Pearson who ran on. Jim Sullivan covered well but Pearson made a kick before he was walloped and Jim managed at the last moment to get the kicked ball into touch.
A minute later, Wigan were penalised in their own '25' for a scrum infringement. Risman missed the penalty attempt. To-and-fro for several minutes now came as both sides showed signs of nervousness. It was only when Salford found themselves in a favourable position deep in the Wigan half that the Colliermen took the lead. Half-back Jenkins threw a bad pass towards Risman, and before the Welshman could gather, George Bennett took it and raced away up field. Morley showed a clean pair of heels and raced away in support, but Bennett opted to pass to Len Mason, before the big Kiwi passed back to Bennett. Gwynne Davies now supported Bennett and raced in under the posts. The noise was immense.
Jim Sullivan of course had no issues in converting the try, giving Wigan a 5-0 lead. Gus Risman had two chances to claw back the points with penalty attempts shortly afterward, but failed. On one attempt, the linesman waved his flag for a conversion, but the referee over ruled his decision. Salford remained 5-0 down.
By now, the crowd had somehow grew in size and on the popular side, hundreds of supporters jumped the barriers and took up positions on the touchline. You can see from the photograph above during Gwynne Davies' try how the crowd lined the touchline early on in the encounter. The tackling was tremendous by both sides. Salford continued to have the better of the territory, and once Morley alone stood between the Wigan line and disaster. More penalties came Salford's way but Risman again missed, uncharacteristically.
Two minutes from the interval Wigan increased their lead with a masterly try by Morley. He seized on the ball after scrambling play in midfield, cut past Brown like a Geordie whippet, kicked the ball ahead and only just managed to touch the ball down for a try before it went dead. Morley beat the Salford defence. Sullivan did the usual as Wigan lead 10-0 at the break.
Wigan's discipline in the forwards was still an issue in the second half. Golby and Gee were spoken to by the referee due to scrum infringements which gave Salford room up field. In the next minute, as a result, Wigan were lucky to escape when they scrambled the ball away following an effort from wingman Pearson. Salford were now battering Wigan early in the second half and their perseverence paid off in the 45th minute. Griffiths was forced to make the ball dead over his own try line and from the resulting scrum, Jenkins scored for Salford. Again, Risman missed.
Wigan had a few chances to score more but knock ons by Bennett and Golby meant Wigan were playing their rugby in the defensive half. It was only when Targett scored late in the game after a Jim Sullivan drop goal that Salford's fire was put out eight minutes from time. Wigan had now won their fourth Championship.
Most of the 31,000 crowd raced onto the Wilderspool pitch to get a good view of the awards ceremony. When Jim Sullivan received the Cup from the hands of Mayor Austin Crowe (of Warrington), he commented upon the significance of unlucky number thirteen in connection with the match. It was his side's thirteenth victory in fourteen matches and his own thirteenth season with the Wigan club. Heaven knows what the celebrations were like in the Wigan dressing room.
Once Wigan were ready to head to the motor-coach and leave Wilderspool, Lance Todd, legendary Wigan centre of the Jimmy Leytham days (and anl.com Hall of Famer), and current Salford secretary-manager entered the coach. "Congratulations to the Wigan team from an old Wigan player. You have been the better team to-day. If we are in the final again next year I hope we shall beat you. If we are not in the first four I hope you will win the Cup again."
Before returning to Wigan, the players and officials called at the hostelry of Mr. R. Anderton, secretary of the Warrington Club, where the Cup was filled and passed around. The Cup, which will be presented at Dublin after the charity match between Wigan and Warrington, was also on display and looked 'handsome'.
Like on the return of the Wigan team in 2022 after winning the Challenge Cup at Tottenham, it was not known of the time when Wigan would return to the town that evening. As a result, the crowds that would normally align Wallgate and Standishgate were not as momentous as in previous Cup successes. But still, plenty of Wiganers lined the streets when the team eventually made their way to Central Park for tea.
Afterwards, the chairman of directors, Alderman Walkden, said it was a very great pleasure for him to have the privilege of presenting the medals won in the final that day to the Wigan players. Before doing so, he would like to congratulate them on the magnificent victory which they had achieved. Before the players went on to the field at Wilderspool, he told them that that was like the twelfth chapter of a book. Eleven had been won by Wigan and he hoped that the twelfth and closing chapter would be a happy one. Referring to Wigan's run of wins.The twelfth chapter had been a wonderful one, and the directors were proud of their players in winning that beautiful trophy which Wigan had held three times before. He hoped that next year they would have the privilege of securing more trophies. The recovery made by the Wigan team had been marvellous and would be remembered for a great number of years.
When Jim Sullivan rose to reply the players gave him a wonderful reception and sang, "For he's a jolly good fellow," followed by three cheers and a similar compliment for Mrs. Sullivan. Jim said that he was proud to be the captain of the Wigan club when they won that trophy. When they looked back a couple of months the position seemed hopeless, but with wonderful team spirit they reached the second place. They had a very fine team, and if they kept clear of injuries they would clear the "board" next season. It had been easy for him to play behind the other players.
Alderman Walkden said Mrs. Walkden and himself had decided that if the team succeeded in the final they would entertain the players and officials at Monument Lodge, and hoped that they would all spend a happy evening with them. Walkden then asked whether the Australians would say a word. Half back Hector Gee said "All I can say is I am proud to be one of the boys, and it is a great honour to have helped to win the Cup." Joe Wilson, who had missed a chunk of the latter part of the season said that he was sorry that he had not been able to help the team, but assured them that no one was prouder than he that Wigan won the Cup, and hoped to be fit again for the following season.
Len Mason was called upon next and he said that it was one of his ambitions for Wigan to win the Championship and that he was one of the proudest men on the team. Only a Lancashire Cup eluded Len.
Jim Sullivan chipped in by suggesting that they'd win it for Len the following season (they lost to Salford in the Final incidentally).
A Welshman was now called upon, to which Hathway said "The Captain will speak for the lot" to much laughter. Dick Twose was proud. He suggested that all of Somerset was Wigan that day. For Yorkshire, Joe Golby spoke: "No man in Wigan is as proud as I, to come from a lowly club and be here is remarkable".
Strangeley, there was no Lancastrian in the Wigan team. Charles Seeling, who was ineligible for the Final, was called upon. He said that although he was not from Wigan, he regarded himself as a Wiganer, as he had spent most of his life here.
Tommy McCarthy, the Great Wigan coach lost in time also gave his thoughts. He suggested that it was easy to train this team and nobody was prouder than he that day. Jack Morley proposed a toast and thanks to the ladies who had organised the evening refreshments and the nice way that they had decorated the room. He hoped that they would do it more often!
Mrs Taylor, responding on behalf of the ladies, said Wigan Rugby Football Club was very dear to her. Whatever she could do for the betterment of the Club and the players she would always be pleased to do. George Taylor, the secretary and another stalwart of the Club spread through this website, said that considering their position a few months earlier in the League, and in the finances, it all looked a little gloomy. He said that the directors had thought wisely, however, that the players they had on their books were equal to any other in the League. Hard luck befell Salford, being top of the tree all season and being beat in the final was tough on them, but Taylor also suggested that the same happened to Wigan.
Championship Winners 1933/4
Championship Winners 1933/4
Top :- Charlie Seeling Jnr., Harold Edwards, Albert Davis, Bill Targett, Joe Golby, Reg Hathway, Ossie Griffiths.
Middle :- Jack Morley, Len Mason, Jim Sullivan, Dicky Twose, Joe Wilson, Gwynne Davies.
Bottom:- George Bennett and Hector Gee.
A week later, Gordon Innes, the New Zealand centre who missed a large chunk of the season through injury got married at Wigan Parish Church. His bride had come across from New Zealand to marry him and arrived on Final day having travelled alone from the colonies.
The season had ended in triumph for Wigan. Dead and buried by December, Champions by April! It is quite remarkable going through this season, and many others at this time, how Great Jim Sullivan was. He was treated as a God not only in England and Wales, but in multiple sports and in Australia. He truly is the Greatest to ever pick up a rugby ball. Wigan headed to Dublin and beat Warrington to win another trophy. Sullivan managed to get over the 200 goal mark as they beat Warrington 32-19 at Shelbourne Park. He finished the season on 203 goals, a world record. Warrington were empty handed. St Helens were in financial difficulties which meant that Alf Ellaby, their star wingman signed for Wigan the following season. It was a good time to be a Wiganer. But the fun wouldn't last. The next Championship would come in 1946, whereas their next Challenge Cup would next be seen at Central Park in 1948. The Lancashire Cup would see Salford defeat Wigan in 1935, 1936 and 1937, before Wigan finally getting their mitts on the trophy in 1939 in which youngsters Ken Gee and Joe Egan made an appearance.
Of course, Wigan would then see a period of success post-War, but that is for another day.
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