Flashback '“ 1987: When Garry Schofield justified world record fee to help Leeds seal place in Trophy final

ONE OF Leeds' most stirring cup tie victories was achieved 31 years ago this week.
Garry Schofield.Garry Schofield.
Garry Schofield.

Despite a star-studded line-up Leeds weren’t given much chance against Wigan in a JPS Trophy semi-final at Bolton Wanderers’ Burnden Park on December 12, 1987.

The Loiners had lost their previous eight semi-finals in all competitions and only avoided relegation on points difference at the end of the 1986-87 season.

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That near-miss prompted the board to splash out big money on centre Garry Schofield and prop Lee Crooks from Hull, but Wigan were hot favourites to reach January’s final.

Francis CumminsFrancis Cummins
Francis Cummins

They looked an even better bet when Crooks suffered a dislocated shoulder after only three minutes and then Wigan opened a 6-0 lead through a David Stephenson penalty and Steve Hampson try.

With just 20 minutes gone it seemed Wigan would take a stranglehold on the tie, but Australian Test prop Peter Tunks stepped up to the plate to fill the void left by Crooks’ injury and he inspired a stunning fightback.

Eventual man of the match Paul Medley got Leeds off the mark with a powerful try and Colin Maskill’s conversion sent the teams in all-square at the break.

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The deadlock was broken when Ray Ashton landed a drop goal to edge Leeds in front, then Marty Gurr preserved their lead with a sensational try-saving tackle on Henderson Gill.

Schofield justified his world record transfer fee with a magnificent solo try, converted by Maskill to open a two-score gap.

Leeds sealed their place in the final when Schofield and Steve Morris combined to create a try for Maskill who completed the scoring with his third conversion.

Roy Powell was another outstanding performer for Leeds and he was just as good in the final, but the Loiners came up short losing 15-14 to St Helens at Central Park.