Thursday 14 May 2015 11:02, UK
Phil Clarke looks back at six of the greatest tries that have been scored in a Challenge Cup final.
As Super League takes a break for the Challenge Cup this weekend, I thought that I'd take the opportunity to look back at some classic moments from a knock-out tournament that has been held in this country since 1896.
Tales and tries from the cup are a large part of the sports rich history, and it has provided some of the greatest highs and lows for both players and supporters alike.
Ever since the first final was played at Wembley in 1929, there has been a strong desire from anyone who is interested in the sport to be at the final. We now have 16 teams left with a chance of walking out 'under the arch' in August and the possibility of them being remembered forever, if they can score a spectacular try.
There is a romance around the Cup which puts it on everybody's "Bucket List".
Here are my 'six of the best tries' that have been scored in a Challenge Cup final. I did have to consult Stevo for the 1st one as I wasn't born! But after watching it on the internet last week, I have to agree. (I didn't go back before 1960, so must apologise to anybody who scored before then)
1961 - Tom Van Vollenhoven
This length of the field try had five passes as St Helens quickly went from defending to attacking before their opponents recover. A vintage try in any era of the sport.
1978 - John Atkinson
This was a classic piece of skill when Leeds transferred the ball across the full width of the pitch. John Holmes delivered a brilliant pass which went across the front of two of his own players and cut out so many of the defenders. It created the space out wide for the Leeds left winger to weave in and out at full speed. Brilliant.
1984 - Joe Lydon
His first-half 'length of the field' try was good, but his second half one even better. His team had been under pressure defending their own line until he picked up the ball and evaded three defenders to score in the corner. One of Widnes' great tries.
1985 - Henderson Gill
Some people think that Brett Kenny's try was the best one in this game but I prefer the one that brought a smile to all the Wigan faces, when their favourite player grinned in delight after scorching down the left wing. I'm still not sure that any of the wingers today can run faster than Gill did that day.
1994 - Martin Offiah
With the score at 0-0, Leeds had Wigan under massive pressure near to their own line. Single-handedly, Martin seemed to break their spirit when he broke through two defenders and sprinted the length of the field, standing up and then outpacing a very good full-back in Alan Tait. I think it even amazed his own team-mates, as not one of them got to him for over 20 seconds after he had touched down.
2011 - Joel Tomkins
This was the best try scored by a pair of brothers in modern times! His younger brother Sam set him on his way and watched in delight as he raced under the posts.
They are all brilliant tries but my winner is the one scored by Martin Offiah. I think that he is the only player to break the hearts of the opponents the way he did so early in a match.
If you have time, you can find them all on the internet and let me know if you think I've missed one. Which is your favourite?
They are all brilliant tries but my winner is the one scored by Martin Offiah. I think that he is the only player to break the hearts of the opponents the way he did so early in a match. Nothing that they could do would compete with this.
Greats of our game
This year sees an unveiling of a statue at Wembley which remembers some of the greats of our game. Martin will be immortalised alongside Billy Boston, Gus Risman, Eric Ashton and Alex Murphy.
They are all legends of the sport and the statue will add to memories of the annual pilgrimage for all rugby fans.
It is now 20 years since Martin Offiah played in his last winning final and to recognise the occasion, there is a special night taking place on Thursday 27th August at the Grange Hotel, Tower Bridge, London. It is basically an evening with Martin Offiah, which is always eventful, and he has some of the greats of the game along there to share their stories and have some fun.
Jonathan Davies, Shaun Edwards and Andy Farrell plus a few of the former rugby players will be there, but Martin's personality and status means that there will also be a few other stars present like Mick Hucknall, Erin Boag and Javine Hylton.
I know, having spent some time with Martin, that it will be a brilliant night and I've already booked my table!
If you're planning to go to the Cup Final and want to make it an extra special year, why not come along?
If you're interested, you can find out more by contacting Gary Taylor on 01279 771 458 or emailing gt@britishsportsmuseum.com
