TWENTY five years ago today Saints pulled off one of the most memorable victories in their history.
Wembley was the stage with Shaun McRae's Saints beating Bradford Bulls 40-32 to win the Challenge Cup for the first time in 20 years.
It was the first year of the summer era and Saints had assembled a fine squad to challenge - but they needed to win silverware.
They looked on course to do that beneath the Twin Towers when two Steve Prescott tries opened the scoring.
But, bit by bit, Saints’ early advantage turned into a 26-12 deficit approaching the final quarter, and the cup final misery looked set to continue.
For anybody who wants to relive those magical memories from the “Ultimate Comeback” 96 Challenge Cup Final 25 years ago click this link for 13 minute highlights from arguably the greatest ever final.https://t.co/G7NVcMO91a
— Steve Prescott MBE (@StevePrescott1) April 27, 2021
Then Bobbie Goulding put boot to ball, his high steepling kick was left by Bulls full back Nathan Graham and Cunningham sprung into action to touch down.
Saints had found Bulls’ Achilles heel, and boy did they, or rather Goulding, exploit it.
On this day 25 years ago...📜
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) April 27, 2021
Saints faced Bradford in the Silk Cut @thechallengecup Final and what a match it was!
Subscribers can watch the game in FULL on Saints TV 👇
📺 https://t.co/FpxoAm2KjE #COYS
Two more Goulding bombs yielded two further scores, with Simon Booth and Ian Pickavance touching down, and Saints were back in front with Danny Arnold adding his second.
Although Bulls’ Robbie Paul completed his hat-trick to keep everyone on tenterhooks, Apollo Perelini launched himself at the line to make sure.
Saints had won their first Challenge Cup for 20 years – and the town rejoiced!
It was the win that started the ball rolling for the successes that followed - and one that will be remembered fondly by all of those there that day.
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