UK Elite Teams By Season : 1946-50

For the summary of the seasons from 1945/46 to 1949/50, points have been allocated according to success. The league, finals, Challenge Cup, League Cup, Yorkshire Cup and Lancashire Cup are listed in that order. Back then the table consisted of up tot thirty teams, playing regionally to save on travel. I've counted the top sixteen only in any year as a maximum.

First: Wigan just ran away with this one. Four league titles, three grand finals, a Challenge Cup and four Lancashire Cups.

Second: Bradford secured two Challenge Cup victories (one above; British Pathé) and three Yorkshire Cups. Sounds underwhelming after Wigan's haul.

Third: Hudderfiled won a grand final. That's it. Obviously pretty consistent otherwise. 

UK Elite Teams By Season : 1951-55

For the summary of the seasons from 1950/51 to 1954/55, points have been allocated according to success. The league, finals, Challenge Cup, League Cup, Yorkshire Cup and Lancashire Cup are listed in that order. 

First: Warrington was the beat around this time, the 1953-54 season in particular was their year. For the five years, two league titles, two grand finals, and Challenge Cup. Not a bad spell for the club from Cheshire. The 1954 Challenge Cup reply at Odsal, Bradford between Warrington and Halifax attracted at least 102,000 spectators (pic above). Final score 8-4 to Warrington (first match 4-4).

Second: Wigan were next and started the five year period at the top but by the end of it, their form had dropped enough to leave them in second place. A grand final. Challenge Cup and two Lancashire Cups was the tally in the end.

Third: Huddersfield won a Challenge Cup and two Yorkshire Cups to just push Halifax into fourth. The latter had some strong years but one disastrous year cost them.

UK Elite Teams By Season : 1956-60

For the summary of the seasons from 1955/56 to 1959/60, points have been allocated according to success. The league, finals, Challenge Cup, League Cup, Yorkshire Cup and Lancashire Cup are listed in that order. 

Challenge Cup Final 1960. Pic Hull FC

First: Hull FC won three consecutive grand finals and although no other titles came their way, enough to be the best for this period. Never the best in any year but very consistent. The cup final introduction pictured above led to a Wakefield win 38-5.

Second: St Helens was oh so close with two league titles, a grand final victory and a Challenge Cup win.

Third: Wigan secured a grand final and two Challenge Cups for the five year stanza.