Hope, spirit, and pride in Greater Manchester town on the cusp of making 52-year history
Saturday marks a landmark occasion for an entire town - a Leigh Leopards vie to become Challenge Cup champions 52 years after THAT epic win back in 1971.
“There are thousands going to Wembley for it. Win or lose they will be celebrating in the town square with a parade and we will be there to support them.”“I didn’t like it at first to be honest, the Leopards name, but now I’ve got used to it,” the 64 year old said. “Everyone in the town has embraced it.
The desire to be part of the Leopards Den is palpable with Leigh market’s merchandise stall stating people queued for two hours to get their hands on the cup final special edition shirt. Clive Render revealed that the queue for the new top on launch day last week snaked throughout the market and outside.
Many Leythers have waited for 52 years for this moment and still remember the day when their team beat Leeds Rhinos 24-7 and brought the Lance Todd trophy back on an open top bus. Colin Parkinson remembers that day from when he was a young man and he is ready to experience it all over again. “We’ve beat them twice this season but anything can happen in a cup final. The atmosphere, I know, is going to be electric.”
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