By Lapsed Leyther
May 17 2003

Lapsed Leyther brings more 80's memories to Cherry & White Online, today concentrating on the epic 1987 Challenge Cup Semi Final between Leigh and St Helens and Wigan's then home ground, Central Park.

Alright i'm getting old (36) but I loved watching Leigh in the 1980s before other interests took hold.

Lets talk about the 1987 Cup Semi Final at Central Park vs St Helens. Leigh played absolutely brilliant. Saints at the time were having a good season under Alex Murphy, whilst Leigh were fighting an ultimately successful relegation fight under new coach Billy Benyon. I went to the game with no expectations; however left the game disappointed. Final score 14-8 to Saints.

It was 14-8 practically all the second half, but Leigh bombarded St Helens, doing everything but score. At one point John Henderson was heading under the sticks from about 50 yards out but was foiled by a last ditch ankle tap by I think, Barrie Ledger. This would have levelled the scores.

Leigh well on top but Saints played out time and won.

However they got beat at Wembley 18-17 by Halifax.

I was too young too remember Wembley 1971, and often dreamed about Leigh returning, but this was the closest we ever got. (dont count that plate competition v Hull KR semi final).

Leigh should have got to Wembley in 1982 also. After defeating Warrington in 1st Round in a great hard fought cup tie, we were drawn away at Hull KR, then an absolutely top notch team. What followed was one of Leigh's greatest ever victories (fact not opinion). 17-16 down with a minute to go and John Woods kicked a penalty from about 30 yards out under great pressure to win it 18-17.

Then watched Look North following Monday tea time for qtr final draw. All the top teams still in there, Widnes, Hull. We got the draw we wanted, Castleford at home, whom we had already beaten home and away in the league. We are going to Wembley.

I still remember the day 13th March 1982. Over 12,000 at Hilton Park in incessant rain. Leigh took the lead early on with a try by Steve Donlan following a high kick to the Cas line. 3-0 up, all going to plan. However what followed was the greatest disappointment ever in following Leigh. A damp squib literally. We got beat 8-3. Anyway I'm a little bit bladdered so will sign off for now.......

Coming soon further 80s memories.