Class of ’83 provide Featherstone with inspiration to beat Saints

In 1983, when they headed to Knowsley Road for a quarter-final with Saints, they were deeply embroiled in a relegation battle and considered rank outsiders.

In contrast, their illustrious hosts had already been installed as 9-4 favourites to lift the cup.

Nobody but Featherstone themselves gave the club any sort of chance.

However, under the astute leadership of coach Allan Agar, who delivered a perfect game plan, spirited Rovers managed to not only outmuscle but also out-play their opponents who were left bemused at how they came unstuck against such a struggling team.

Saints need not have worried; Featherstone – 33-1 at the start of the competition – went all the way to Wembley where they produced another shock to defeat holders Hull and lift the trophy for the first time since 1974.

Their success in the quarter-final was, in part, down to the return to form of the sporadic John Gilbert, who was carried off injured during that epic final victory over Hull.

As a young centre, he had earned Under-24 international honours but had seen his career plateau for large periods.

However, against Saints, Gilbert rose to the occasion, providing a striking impetus on numerous occasions to unlock their defence.

He set up Featherstone’s opening try for John Marsden in the 11th minute before showing great skills to glide over for the first of his double eight minutes later as Rovers established an 8-0 lead. Agar’s decision to select a powerful pack paid dividends as they wore down Saints but the coach was more pleased with Featherstone’s classy match-winning try.

After Saints had, predictably given the talent they had on show, forced their way back to take a 10-8 lead through tries from Roy Haggerty and Harry Pinner, Gilbert came up with the decisive play with just eight minutes remaining.

Marsden popped up on the opposite wing to provide the assist for a slick finish and Agar said: “The most pleasing aspect was that it was such a class try that won the match.

“Saints prepared for a hard-fought battle but didn’t think we could score tries like that.”

Scrum-half Terry Hudson and hard-working loose forward Peter Smith looked set to battle for the man-of-the-match award until Gilbert, who had struggled with a knee problem at half-time, arrived with that try.

It ended impressive St Helens’ six-match winning run – and put ecstatic Featherstone Rovers on course for an even bigger upset to come.