WEMBLEY memories are tingling for two Rugby League evergreens in the run up to Sunday's Challenge Cup quarter-finals clash between Warrington and Bradford.

Mark Forster and Neil Harmon were both in the Warrington side that overcame Bradford at the last eight stage in 1990 as part of an impressive cup run that saw them go all the way to the final.

It ultimately ended in a 14-36 defeat at the hands of a rampant Wigan side but the trip to Wembley was still a day to savour for the young duo.

Forster and Harmon will be on opposite sides at Odsal Stadium on Sunday but the passing years have not dimmed their enthusiasm for the big occasion.

Foz remembers the game, which Warrington won 12-10 thanks to a Bob Jackson try and four kicks by Robert 'Rocky' Turner, as the turning point in a disappointing season.

He adds: "We were a long way from favourites that day. We were going through a bad patch and taking a lot of stick for it.

"We were a young, inexperienced side and there were a lot of problems with restless players and pressures from outside that weren't helping.

"A lot of people had written us off, saying we were no good and we just decided to put a stop to the backstabbing and show what we could do.

"It was a tough game but we stuck at it and Rocky Turner was in great form that day. The fans always pick on someone when the team's in a rut and they'd singled him out before that game.

"All of a sudden they wanted to present him with the town hall clock, of course, but that's the way it goes with the fans sometimes!"

Harmon, who came off the bench to replace Steve Molloy at prop during the 1990 game, says he is looking forward to meeting up with old pals Foz, Gary Chambers and Chris Rudd.

He adds: "There'll only be myself and Foz left from the lads who played in the quarter-finals but Gary and Chris were around and only just missed out on playing the final. "

But there will only be time for a friendly chat once the match is over and Harmon is well aware that the Wolves will be putting up a stiff challenge this time round.

He says: "Warrington are looking like a good team this year. Halifax were set upon from start to finish in the previous round and they obviously wanted to win more.

"Darryl has got them well drilled. They're very well organised in defence and with some good attacking players too. We'll have to be on our guard and do our homework well."

The Warrington contingent who cross the Pennines to cheer on the Wolves at Odsal on Sunday could be the crucial factor in deciding the outcome - as they were in 1990.

A crowd of 8,929 attended the game nine years ago and around 3,000 of them came from the 'Wire' faithful.

Coach Brian Johnson paid tribute after the game: "A lot of Warrington people came over and it makes the world of difference. The more support we get, the better it is for us."

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