THIS shot of Saints in 1978 was taken at a packed house at Knowsley Road ahead of their game against the Australian tourists.

It was taken before the heavens absolutely opened!

16,352 was a large crowd for the late 70s - but the fixture against the Kangaroos was always a prestigious fixture, with Saints having a proud record against the tourists - clocking a number of wins up until 1973.

St Helens Star:

But not on this occasion, with Saints losing 26-4 to the Green and Golds with just a couple of penalties from skipper Geoff Pimblett (above) to show for it.

It had been a tight game, Saints trailing 9-4 at the break.

But torrential rain in the second half, some of it pouring through the Popular Side roof, did nothing to deter the Aussies who pulled Saints apart as the game progressed.

One event stuck out. When Australia kicked for penalty the kicker skewed it well wide, but as Peter Glynn waited to collect and Green and Gold flash nipped in to collect and touch down.

Spectators were left to wonder whether that was a deliberate ploy or instinctive follow up from the alert Aussies.

It must have stung Saints, they lost 7-3 at Rochdale the following week and then slumped at home to Huddersfield after that.

St Helens Star:

As for the team pictured: Back row: Roy Mathias, John Knighton, Graham Liptrot, Bill Francis, Dave Chisnall, Tony Bolton, Mel James.

Front row: Harry Pinner, Peter Glynn, Les Jones, Ken Gwilliam, Geoff Pimblett, Neil Holding.

Pictures by Eddie Whitham