Although the low league position in the 1966-67 season gave the Rovers fans little to cheer about, the Challenge Cup form gave them plenty to shout about. Rovers recorded splendid victories throughout the competition. In the first round they beat Bradford Northern by 15-8, followed by a second round win over rivals Wakefield Trinity by 11-7. The third round match was again against a local rival in Castleford. For this game the Police put a crowd maximum of 15 000 and it was an all ticket affair. Rovers saw off the challenge by 8-7! The Leeds Loiners were then the Rovers next opponents in the semi-final. Leeds went into this game as hot favourites having lost only 5 games up to the date of the semi-final. However, on the day Rovers were victorious by 16-8. Barrow provided the opposition in the Final at the Twin Towers. A crowd of 77 000 paid then record receipts of £53 435 to watch the game.

The final was a fast fluid game, with plenty of variety and any amount of excitement, and once they had settled down Rovers were the masters of this central showpiece of Rugby League. Rovers gained an early lead after two minutes when Tommy Smales scored a penalty goal. However, Barrow's Delooze equalised the scores with another penalty ten minutes later. Barrow then took a 5 point lead with a Brophy try which was converted by Delooze. Rovers were quick to respond with a typical Arnie Morgan try which was converted by Tommy Smales. This was followed by a gem of a drop goal byCarl Dooler to give Rovers a 9-7 lead at the break. In the second half Rovers were really in command. A try came from Vaughan Thomas which was converted by Tommy Smales. This gave Rovers, under the circumstances, an unassailable lead of 14-7. This lead was then extended 15 minutes later to 17-7, as Rovers drove home their advantage, with a try by Tommy Smales. Barrow did not lie down however and in the last minute responded with a try by Watson which was converted by Tees to give the final score of 17-12. The Large travelling support of the Rovers were ecstatic. Rovers had thoroughly deserved this victory. There were tears of joy in many an eye as skipper Malcolm Dixon received the trophy from the Queen. Carl Dooler certainly stamped his personality on this Final and for his contribution received the Lance Todd Trophy.

SKIPPER MALCOLM DIXON RECEIVES THE TROPHY FROM THE QUEEN

This particular victory over Barrow at Wembley crowned a remarkable campaign. It was Rovers first Challenge Cup lifting exploit, and only Widnes in 1937 had accomplished the feat from a lower position in the league table. No one who watched them beat Barrow would have suspected that there were 19 clubs with better records than Rovers that season! It was a triumph of teamwork and careful planning, in which the hand of coach Laury Gant could be seen. The main objective of denying manoeuvering space to Tom Brophy, the Barrow stand-off and the fast wingers in Burgess and Murray was certainly achieved.

A quote from the press after the match was - Rugby League Football has seen no greater transformation in a side over five short months. Not bought, for spirit like this can never be bought.