A brief history of the derby
As we gear up to the biggest derby in Rugby League this Friday, Club historian Keith Sutch gives us all the facts and stats from the archives of one of the most anticipated fixtures in Rugby League.
The first every Derby match played between Wigan and St Helens dates back 127 years to November 1895, where the two sides played out a 0-0 stalemate in front of a crowd of 3,000 spectators at St Helens’ Knowsley Road. In more recent years, since the formation of Super League in 1996, the two teams have faced off 99 times (in all competitions) with Wigan claiming 45 wins and four draws from the fixtures.
This week’s game will be 100th meeting between the two teams in all competitions in the Super League era!
Since 1897, 83 players have made their debut for the Cherry and Whites against St Helens.
Sean O’Loughlin currently stands as the player with the most appearances for Wigan in a Derby (51), while Andy Farrell boasts the record for the most points in a game v St Helens (45 points, 26th May 1997 – Wigan 65-12 St Helens), as well as most goals scored in the same fixture (10 goals and one drop goal). Farrell sits top of the charts for overall points scored against Saints (340), as well as goals (148 goals plus four drop goals).
The standing record for most tries in a Derby match up is held by Green Vigo who registered seven tries in a Lancashire Cup game in August 1976. Though the overall try scorer for the Club from Derby matches sits with Jim Leytham (28) who represented the Club in the early 1900s and has a huge six hat-tricks against the same opposition.
Tickets for Wigan’s Betfred Super League Round 25 clash against St Helens are on sale! The biggest derby in Rugby League will take place on Friday 26th August at the DW Stadium. Don’t miss out and get your tickets now! Buy online by clicking HERE or call the DW Stadium Ticket Office on 01942 311111 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri).
