History - Biggest Crowd - Odsal Anniversary

Halifax's Ken Dean with the Challenge Cup

Eight of the 10 survivors from the famous 1954 Challenge Cup final replay, which drew a world record crowd to Bradford, were back at Odsal on Wednesday May 5th. to celebrate the 50th anniversary.

A crowd officially recorded at 102,575 watched Warrington beat Halifax 8-4, although it was estimated that up to 20,000 more got into the ground free after perimeter fencing collapsed. The record stood until the opening of Sydney's Stadium Australia in 1999.

Halifax players Billy Mather, Dai Bevan, Ken Dean, Stan Kielty and John Thorley, along with the Warrington trio of Frank Wright, Gerry Lowe and Bob Ryan, returned to the scene to relive the occasion. They were all presented with mementoes of the day by Sky TV presenter Mike Stephenson.

"The crowd was unbelievable," said Dean. "It took your breath away."

Warrington's Harry Bath, who has returned to his native Australia, and Ally Naughton, who lives in the Isle of Man, are the other surviving players from that famous day.