Warm welcome for former Workington Town star James Pickering

By Helen Thompson

Last updated 12:06, Monday, 01 December 2008

Former Workington Town favourites James Pickering and Peter Walsh returned to brave sub zero temperatures at Derwent Park yesterday – but were given a warm welcome.

Welcome home big fella: Town chairman Dave Bowden greets Workington rugby league legend James Pickering to Derwent Park

It was an emotional weekend for Pickering, as he was inducted into the Town Hall of Fame on Saturday night.

Then he led his touring Australian Fijian side out on a frosty afternoon but, unfortunately, referee Gareth Hewer called the two captains together before calling the match off after 51 minutes when freezing fog rolled in and made the ground unplayable with the Fijians 42-6 ahead.

The loudest cheer of the afternoon was raised for Premiership-winning prop Pickering as he donned his boots and came on as a substitute for the Fijians, showing he still has plenty of class.

Despite having hung up his boots a few years ago, Pickering still took a number of Town defenders to get him to ground as he slipped out several neat passes.

“It was just awesome and very nostalgic for me,” said Pickering after the game. Just by chance I had to fill in and play because some of the boys got caught with visa problems in Australia.

“This was a real trip down memory lane and the Workington boys gave us a good welcome.”

But his biggest feeling of pride came on Saturday night at a vice-presidents’ evening when he was inducted into the hall of fame.

“It was unbelievable, I was very humbled to be given that honour. I said on the night I was only at Workington for two and a half years but there is a lot of emotion there for me.

“I made a lot of close friends that I keep in touch with. I instantly felt at home here. Even though it is 14 years since I have been back, this place will always be a big part of my life.”

He was accompanied by former Town coach Peter Walsh, who was also given a vociferous welcome when he stepped out at half time, along with some former Town stars from the 1993 and 1994 Premiership final teams.