Saints 1970s A team stalwart Peter Brown has died

Born in 1952, Peter Brown was originally from Dodd Avenue and the forceful second-rower came through the ranks at Knowsley Road.

He made his first team debut when he came off the bench against Dewsbury at Crown Flatt on 15th September 1974 in a 21-7 success.

Peter had to wait two years for his full debut, in somewhat bizarre circumstances when the senior Saints’ squad effectively went on strike before a first round Lancashire Cup clash against Wigan at Central Park on 21st August 1976.

The Riversiders won 37-5 but the somewhat weakened visitors gave it their all and it is interesting to recall the starting pack members that afternoon: Neil Courtney, Tommy Cunningham, Keiron Pickavance, Peter Brown, Mike Hope and Harry Pinner.

Peter’s last appearance was at Naughton Park, Widnes on 6th January 1977 when Saints lost 8-13 in front of over 8,000 fans. He was also a non-playing substitute three days later at Knowsley Road when Oldham were put to the sword 17-7.

In all, he played 5 times for the seniors, including 3 as substitute. According to former team-mate Ray Howard, “he was a big strong lad and we played in the B team as well as the A team together. He was a good player and a good mate and certainly had potential. The coaches at Knowsley Road, Eric Ashton and Billy Boycott certainly thought so. He played in a brilliant A team that went through one season unbeaten and it is a pity that he never fully realised his potential at top level.”

It is believed that Peter never went anywhere else after leaving Saints and he will be remembered particularly as a member of an A team that was as good as any in the club’s history at the time.

Sad to report that Peter’s health was not good in the latter years of his life and everyone at St Helens RFC send their condolences to Peter’s family at this sad time.