WARRINGTON Wolves achieved an unwanted record during Sunday’s Betfred Challenge Cup defeat by Wakefield Trinity – one that will, hopefully, never be broken.

For the game attracted a crowd of just 2,627 – the lowest attendance for a competitive fixture at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, which opened in 2004.

The previous record was held by another Challenge Cup tie, against Doncaster in April 2014, when only 3,002 supporters turned up.

But at least they were able to cheer on a 68-0 victory and a man-of-the-match performance from stand-off Chris Bridge who scored four tries and kicked 10 conversions for a personal haul of 36 points. Winger Kevin Penny also raced in for a hat-trick.

Sunday’s gate of 2,627 was the lowest for a home fixture for almost 27 years, stretching back to the deeply unpopular Centenary Season when a season was crammed in between August 1995 and January 1996.

Back then, Castleford’s visit to Wilderspool on December 15 attracted a crowd of just 2,229.

Again, Warrington were victorious with full-back Lee Penny scoring two tries and stand-off Iestyn Harris kicking three goals in a 31-20 win.

Since the advent of Super League and the rise in popularity of season tickets, gates for early-rounds Challenge Cup ties have been disappointing but surely, no one was expecting such a poor turnout on Sunday.