AS the professional game grew in Warrington, so did the works' competition of the Northern Union code.

Just before World War One there were a staggering 48 teams in the town's works' competition a record!

1919 brought the resumption of fixtures and in 1921 the club stormed to its first Lancashire Cup success. After narrow defeats of St. Helens Recs and Leigh, Warrington ended the hopes of Oldham in the final 7-5.

But apart from that, success was hard to come by on the pitch for Warrington at this time and until 1926 the side never climbed above eighth place in the league.

The team did have its stars despite the lack of success. Billy Cunliffe and Arthur Skelhorn toured Australia and New Zealand in 1920.

There were administrative changes too with Mr. R. F. Anderton (Bob) taking on secretary's duties and S. Jones replacing Thomas Pemberton, who had served as treasurer for a marvellous 37 years.

And the crowds kept flocking to Wilderspool. Although one player the audience would not have seen was 1920 tourist Arthur Skelhorn. Arthur, a forward, who signed in 1911, refused to play on Good Fridays. It is believed his reason for that was religious. He played 14 seasons with Warrington and served as a committee man too.

Skelhorn played for Great Britain seven times. He was a regular for his county and scored 47 tries and one goal in his 250 appearances for Warrington.