I WAS lucky enough to go to the Challenge Cup Final last weekend.
Having previously watched finals at Wembley, Murrayfield and Twickenham, I have to say that the Millenium Stadium generated the best atmosphere I have ever encountered.
With the roof closed and the noise from 71,000 fans, it really was an occasion to remember.
AS FOR the game itself, it was a real nailbiter. It had everything you would expect from a final - massive defence, controversy, passion and a grandstand finish.
A big talking point had been the decision of Ian Sinfield's 'little brother' Kevin to run the ball from a penalty with around six minutes to go.
Decisions like that are made in split seconds and the Rhinos were hammering the Bulls' line.
Kevin obviously felt that with a further set of six plays his side might just have got the winning try. It wasn't to be, and the rest is now history.
I ACCOMPANIED Chris Hannah to the Rugby League judiciary on Tuesday following his sending off against Hunslet on Good Friday.
We sat down before the panel to watch a video of his alleged offence. The chairman of the panel first read out the referee's report and asked Chris if he was guilty. "I threw a punch," was the big fella's reply.
"We will now watch the video," said the chairman.
You will know Chris plays the game hard and tough, but he is certainly not a dirty player, having only been sent off once before in his career.
Now I would never accuse Chris of telling untruths, but maybe the years of playing in the front row have affected his memory. The video revealed Chris throwing a combination of shots that Lennox Lewis would have been proud of.
He was suspended for one match and I suggested we retreat from Red Hall as soon as possible.
"What's the rush," asked Chris.
"Let's not push our luck - just in case they go to the big screen for another look," said I ushering him out of the door.
THERE'S a great day of youth rugby at Cougar Park on Saturday -- see you there.
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