ON day six of our Nostalgia November dip into the archives we flit back to 1950 and the visit of the Italian XIII to Knowsley Road.
The image shows Italian skipper Vincenzo Bertolotto (left) and Saints’ Len Aston exchange pleasantries and gifts before the kick-off.
Although Saints won 74-38 they did let the Azurri show their skills on occasions, which went down well with the 14,000 crowd.
But the guests could only grin ruefully as Saints’ flying wingers Stan McCormick and Steve Llewellyn scored nine tries between them after some electrifying runs through their flimsy defence.
Later that evening both teams were entertained at the Fleece Hotel and gifts were exchanged. Saints skipper Len Aston presented Bertolotto with six wine glasses each stamped with the town coat of arms.
Signor Bertolloto accepted his gift with warmth and eloquence and proceeded to kiss the blushing Aston on both cheeks! The present from Italy was a silver trophy, mounted and carrying the emblem of the Turin club embossed on it – a bull rampant.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here