Warrington Wolves celebrate Challenge Cup success
A sea of primrose and blue filled the streets of Warrington as over 50,000 Wolves fans lined the roads on Sunday afternoon to welcome home their successful side following their 30-6 victory over Leeds Rhinos in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley.
Banners, balloons and even fireworks greeted the team bus along the two-mile route between Woolston and Warrington Town Hall, and the sheer numbers of fans caused traffic congestion which meant the bus was delayed by an hour en-route to be officially welcomed back by the Mayor of Warrington.
It was quite an achievement by the team to retain the trophy that they won last season – the first time they have completed back-to-back Challenge Cup victories – and belief is now high within the camp according to Ryan Atkins, who scored two tries in the final, that can go onto complete the double by winning the Super League.
“In my very first interview, I said I had come here to win things and I said I thought we could do the treble," he told the club’s official website.
"Obviously we've not won the League Leaders' Shield but it's on for the double, although we've a big game coming up against Harlequins on Friday."
It was the young winger that crossed over for the first try on Saturday, which was always going to be crucial, and he admitted it was a great feeling to score against his hometown team with his on looking family and friends sitting in the Leeds end.
"I don't it's think sunk in yet," said Atkins. "I laid in bed the night before the final imagining scoring a try and to have scored two means it's a dream come true, especially against my home-town team.
"Both tries were at the Leeds Rhinos end so it was even better. I saw my mum and fiancée in the crowd."
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