Today in sports history: May 11 - Crusaders set Super Rugby record against Waratahs

On this day in 2002, Caleb Ralph scored four tries in a 96-19 win over the Waratahs.
On this day in 2002, Caleb Ralph scored four tries in a 96-19 win over the Waratahs. Photo credit: Photosport

The COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out most live sport all around the globe, but history will never be erased.

While you contemplate streaming yet another Netflix drama or rewatching another replay of your favourite sporting moments, here are some stories that were making news in years past on May 11.

1935

In the New South Wales RFL, St George Dragons smash Canterbury-Bankstown 91-6 at Earl Park. 

The Dragons scored 19 tries and converted 17 of them in the 85-point win, which still stands as the biggest winning margin in Australian rugby league. 

The following week, Canterbury was smashed 87-7 by Eastern Suburbs - the second-biggest win in competition history.

1980

Julius 'Dr J' Erving pulls off one of the most famous moves in NBA history, with a behind-the-board reverse layup in Game Three of the NBA finals against the LA Lakers. 

Erving's 76ers would eventually lose the game 111-101 and the series 4-2.

1985

Fifty-six people die and 265 people are injured, after a fire breaks out at a Bradford City football match against Lincoln City -  the worst fire in English football history.

The memorial to honour the 56 deaths at Vally Parade.
The memorial to honour the 56 deaths at Vally Parade. Photo credit: Reuters

The fire was caused by a fan putting out a cigarette in the stands just before halftime, with the scores locked at 0-0. 

Club legend and current Bradford manager Stuart McCall, and assistant Greg Abbott were among the players on the field during the match.  

2002

The Crusaders run riot against the Waratahs, scoring 14 tries in a 96-19 Super Rugby-record win at Jade Stadium. 

Caleb Ralph scored four tries, with current coach Scott Robertson also scoring. 

The 96 points is still the most ever in a Super Rugby match, while 14 tries is equal most and Andrew Mehrtens' 13 conversions also remain a record. 

The Crusaders would finish the regular season unbeaten and go on to win the Super 12 final. 

2013

Wigan defy the odds to beat Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final, with defender Ben Watson scoring a stoppage-time winner. 

Wigan Athletic celebrate their FA Cup win.
Wigan Athletic celebrate their FA Cup win. Photo credit: Reuters

The win saw 'The Latics' become the first team to win the Cup and succumb to relegation from the Premier League in the same season.

Birthdays 

1977 - Former Springboks rugby captain Victor Matfield 

1978 - Former Tall Blacks and NZ Breakers guard Aaron Olson

1989 - Carolina Panthers NFL quarterback Cam Newton

Deaths 

2014 - Rugby league immortal Reg Gasnier, aged 74

Newshub 12 months ago...

Live updates - NZ Warriors v St George Dragons 

The NZ Warriors broke a four-game NRL losing streak in a come-from-behind 26-18 win at Suncorp Stadium.

Dargons half Ben Hunt revived memories of his 2015 Grand Final bungle, when he spilled a Patrick Herbert dropout and Ken Maumalo crossed for the matchwinner in the next set.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck offloads against St George Dragons
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck offloads against St George Dragons. Photo credit: Getty

While ex-Bronco Hunt was the villain, playing in front of his former home crowd as part of Magic Round, Warriors skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was the hero, orchestrating his side's final two tries.

The Warriors were forced to fight back from an early 10-0 deficit and scored 20 unanswered points in the second half to kick-start their season.

Peta Hikua scored two tries for the Warriors, with Maumalo, David Fusitu'a and Agnatius Paasi also crossing the chalk.