Not many occasions are engrained on to the memories of Wigan Rugby supporters quite as important as Wembley appearances. Manly and Brisbane of course, recent Grand Final triumphs or numerous battles at Wilderspool in the 1980s would usually crop up in conversation to this day amongst the elder generations.

We have here an occasion which enters into the realm of myth and legend: The 1929 Challenge Cup Final. Let us have a look at why this game has been soo important to the Wigan Rugby League Club over the years.

Wigan started their quest for their second Cup win against Batley on February 9th with a routine 25-0 home win. Plus, a routine Johnny Ring brace of tries whilst Jim Sullivan was 100% with the boot. In the second round, Hunslet were the visitors to Central Park as Wigan again ground out quite a comfortable 16-0 victory to advance to the quarter final stage.

St Helens were the hosts at Knowsley Road on March 9, the result ending in a 2-all draw. The replay, however on the following Wednesday at Central Park left those in attendance no doubt as to the clear victors after 160 minutes play. Benny Davidson, who had scored himself against Batley and Hunslet managed to outshine Johnny Ring. A 25-5 victory and a double by Davidson and Tommy Parker meant that Wigan easily progressed to a semi final tie against the St. Helens Recreation club, scheduled a month later for April 6th at Station Road, Swinton.

Nearly 25,000 spectators had made their way to the new Station Road ground in Swinton or the tie and many of them left not knowing who would reach Wembley. A 7-7 score line meant another replay for Wigan the following Wednesday night at Mather Lane, Leigh. Despite being a Wednesday (half-day working hours back then), a crowd in excess of 20,000 descended upon Leigh town to witness another tight encounter. Despite an 8-0 lead at the break, the Recs managed to get back into the game after Wigan's Len Mason was sent off. Wigan held on despite the numerical advantage of the Recs and booked their place at Wembley.

I am sure the 1929 Cup run will be explained further on these pages but that's just a snapshot of how Wigan reached the Empire Stadium.