AN old-timer, who confesses to being the wrong side of eighty, had his memories revived by recent mention of pre-war rugby warhorse Teddy McLoughlin.

St Helens-born Teddy made his name with Rochdale Hornets, but also guested with St Helens Recs.

And now J. W. of Keswick Road (he wished to remain anonymous) recalls that during the 1921-22 season - when Teddy picked up a Challenge Cup medal with the Hornets - he was once 'sin-binned' as a crafty young nipper sneaking into the Saints ground on match days!

With a little chum, J. W. would pick his way along the nearby railway line. And when no-one was looking the pair then clambered over the Saints' wall and pop beneath the old stand.

"We were caught once by a member of the ground staff," says J. W. He hauled the kids up to the dressing-room, to make them believe they were in deep trouble. "But as we'd always wanted to see the inside of the place this was a pleasant surprise," adds J. W. "We were given a little lecture and then allowed to go home."

And our pensioner correspondent wonders whether Teddy McLoughlin also had a spell as Saints' scrum-half. "His nephew went to the same school as me and used to say his uncle Teddy had played for them."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.