You never forget your first time.......... : Sat Dec 03, 2011 5:15 pm
I know Saints are about to embark on a new and exciting era but I hope you wont mind a little reflection on the past, it may stir some memories for others.I was thinking back to the first Saints match I saw. I reckon it must have been early November 1957, I was only seven years old so you'll have to forgive me if memory has distorted it a little.
Saints had just signed Vollenhoven and he was playing for th A team against either Whitehaven or Workington. I went along with my dad, he paid for me through the juniors turnstyle, then shepherded me towards the boy's pen in front of the old clubhouse.
I stood against the boundary wall behind the posts, if I recall Voll scored a hat-trick, I can picture it in my mind now of him running behind the posts and touching-down.
There was an article about the match in the local paper a few years ago, apparantly Voll had made his debut the week before but because the 1st team were then away they played Voll in the A team to get a big crowd.....I think it said it is still a record for a reserve game.
Following from that my memories for the following years are a bit patchy, mainly cup game stick in my mind and games against Wigan they were the big events. My main memories kick in the 60/61 season notably the cup run,
we drew at home to Widnes in a rain soaked game but won the mid week replay, I don't recall the second round but the third round was a memorable game against Swinton.
They were a top side at the time, we were losing at half time (5-2 I think) and seemed to be tackling us out of the game until Dick Huddart charged through and scored Rhodes conversion put us ahead, it was still tight until Brian McGinn scored then Murphy clinched it.
The four teams through to the semi's were Hull, Halifax, Wigan and Saints.
Saints were matched with Hull, so that meant me & me mum on Gavin Murray's coach to Odsal, it was along drive pre M62. The game was tight we got our nose in front just before half-time and obviously went on to win.
That set up the dream final
Saints vs Wigan for the first time in the cup final
the first time we wore the Red V
my first trip to Wembley as an 11 year old all decked out with scarf and bob-hat.........an awesome day and a great win.
These days Saints seem to be in so many finals and big occasions but you don't forget your first one.
Just curious if there is anyone else on here who was at that Vollenhoven-A team game.
Anyone else got any memories of that era or the first match?
Saints 57