30 Apr 2006 - Dan's Bootiful Day
Young Warrington fan Dan Harbidge is banking on Lee Briers' record-breaking boots bringing him cup final glory today.
Wolves skipper Briers stepped into the crowd to hand Dan his boots after smashing Steve Hesford's career record tally of 47 drop goals in Tuesday's 27-4 win over the world champions Bradford Bulls.
Big-hearted Lee has allowed Dan to keep the sharp-shooting Reebok silver boots to play in today's NW Counties Under-12s Cup Final for Latchford Giants against Westhoughton Lions.
Dan, 12, a pupil at Bridgewater HS in Appleton, said: "I couldn't believe it when Lee walked off the pitch into the crowd. I thought he was just going to shake hands and then he gave me the boots. I take the same size so it was a real bonus. My three favourite players at Warrington are Chris Bridge, Paul Wood and Lee Briers - but I think Lee has gone top now!"
Briers, 27, in outstanding form for Warrington this season said: "Hopefully Dan will have the same luck in his cup final. I don't usualy give my boots away after a game but it was a tough encounter against Bradford and I thought they would make a nice memento for a youngster"
Dad Paul, who coaches the Giants, added: "Dan has been a season ticket holder since he was five. It was a marvellous gesture by Lee. Dan stood there with his mouth open when he gave him the boots."
Dan, a prop or second row, added: "I'd love to folow in Lee's footsteps by playing for the Wolves one day, but I don't think I'll ever be good enough. I'm going to wear the boots once in the cup final. Then they are going in a cabinet in my bedroom!"
Wolves skipper Briers stepped into the crowd to hand Dan his boots after smashing Steve Hesford's career record tally of 47 drop goals in Tuesday's 27-4 win over the world champions Bradford Bulls.
Big-hearted Lee has allowed Dan to keep the sharp-shooting Reebok silver boots to play in today's NW Counties Under-12s Cup Final for Latchford Giants against Westhoughton Lions.
Dan, 12, a pupil at Bridgewater HS in Appleton, said: "I couldn't believe it when Lee walked off the pitch into the crowd. I thought he was just going to shake hands and then he gave me the boots. I take the same size so it was a real bonus. My three favourite players at Warrington are Chris Bridge, Paul Wood and Lee Briers - but I think Lee has gone top now!"
Briers, 27, in outstanding form for Warrington this season said: "Hopefully Dan will have the same luck in his cup final. I don't usualy give my boots away after a game but it was a tough encounter against Bradford and I thought they would make a nice memento for a youngster"
Dad Paul, who coaches the Giants, added: "Dan has been a season ticket holder since he was five. It was a marvellous gesture by Lee. Dan stood there with his mouth open when he gave him the boots."
Dan, a prop or second row, added: "I'd love to folow in Lee's footsteps by playing for the Wolves one day, but I don't think I'll ever be good enough. I'm going to wear the boots once in the cup final. Then they are going in a cabinet in my bedroom!"