HUNDREDS of Saints supporters were singing and cheering as the squad set off to London ahead of the Challenge Cup final.

Fans, including lots of children, gathered outside the main entrance of the Totally Wicked Stadium as the players, staff and club chiefs boarded the Ellisons executive coach, which is taking the squad to a hotel in the capital.

St Helens Star:

St Helens Star:

  • Pictures courtsey of Liam and Bernard Platt @plattyphoto

Supporters who gathered well before the 12.30pm departure sang songs and chants such as When the Saints Go Marching In, Coote's electric, Oh Kevin Naiqama to create a jovial atmosphere.

St Helens Star:

St Helens Star: Saints, who face Warrington on Saturday at Wembley, are competing in their first Challenge Cup final, since 2008.

St Helens Star:

St Helens Star:

Cup fever is reaching fever pitch across St Helens, with shops and houses decked out in red and white and thousands preparing to descend on London for the final.

The players, wearing red polo shirts and blue shorts, looked relaxed as they smiled and waved to the crowds.

Among the fans there to see the team off were Ken Nevitt, who said: "There are five of us going down to Wembley. If they perform well, I think they will get the game."

St Helens Star:

St Helens Star:

Ronnie Waugh was also among the crowds, although he will miss the final due to a holiday in Athens. 


Ronnie said: "I know it's going to be a different Warrington side but I think we'll have enough for them. It should be a good game and a good contest. There's a lot riding on Blake Austin."

 

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