It's arguably the most influential weekend on the RL calendar that is next up for us devotees of the greatest game. I positively think so though many others may consider the end of season finale as commanding, or demanding, more observance from the world wide lovers of sport.

But surely the annual Challenge Cup Final captures the fans, and media, attention in greater clumps than any other Rugby League occasion including the World Cup of this oval game with it's easy to forecast outcome.

Although right now I feel the sooner the new look Wembley mushrooms to life the better for the sake of the annual RL sojourn South because Murrayfield, Twickenham, Millennium Stadium, et al, do not carry the same traditional or sentimental clout that a trip to the fitting holy grail arena of North London does.

It's a journey that Workington Town have made three times as a final competitor, winning one. I was just a touch too young to go along on any those occasions and root for Town. Maybe they would have won more if my backing was there. We think that to be so at times don't we? If only I'd been there the result may have been different (when we've lost, of course).

I hold out constant hope that I don't eventually go off the other end of the scale without seeing Town at Wembley in final number four (so quickly now lads) (room for comment there then, eh?)

I have many memories of attending RL cup finals as a neutral. Well, perhaps not always completely unbiased because I have never liked Wigan. Even less than ever one year, 1991 to be precise, when I was in the stadium car park at Wembley proudly displaying my beautiful new Town scarf. The Wigan fans decided to exchange greetings with me though in truth they were asking "Workington who?" and laughing loudly when I explained.

Now I have said before on this page of how difficult it is to wind me up but remember I didn't (do not) like Wigan. My hackles eventually triggered my 'stand up for Town' metabolism into top gear. I quickly retired to our coach toilet - the Y fronts on top of the Chinos, and I was ready for action as Supertownman. Look out all of Wigan, you are in dire trouble (checking the Y fronts you see). The laughter only served to annoy me more when I challenged the cherry and white brigade outside our 'charabanc' (hey, it's a true story mind you).

I was soon to be escorted away by a more sensible friend (coward) who certainly stopped me from thrusting the last crust of their pies down the Wiganers throats, all forty of them - pies each that is. Well it is a family game, RL, so I surrendered meekly. The nightmare continued, on that day, when Saints yielded more placidly than I did to the pie eaters.

I have had many dreams in my days as a Townie, watch it mate, and in one recurring slumber number I picture Town gaining sweet revenge for the 1958 Cup Final setback, Ike would like that too, for his own personal reasons, eh mate?

That's enough of recalling yesteryear, I just hope this Saturday's final is a classic and helps maintain the good name of the game.

Back now to reality, although the cup is still relevant. Town are reportedly going to suffer the consequences of a decision by those at the chandeliered emporium of Red Hall, (nice wood too - pity it is on so many shoulders). Those who have chosen to send Workington Town to Yorkshire twenty four hours after the games most important date (my opinion again) have once more burdened us with a fixture problem. Why not extend the season by seven days?

The clash with Dewsbury would have been difficult enough without us losing players pre-booked on a final outing. I can't knock the lads for this, because it is an annual pilgrimage. I can only hope that even many more of the Rams will have enjoyed the bright lights, and beer (yuk!) of the biggest city.
K.S.