Of the multitude of matches I've seen, two stand out because we attended them more in hope or blind faith than expectation.
The first was the infamous Challenge Cup quarter-final at Wigan in 1947, a ground that we had become accustomed to losing at- in fact that could have applied to almost any venue in Lancashire.
The occasion was one of the most tense and nerve-wracking imaginable and I'll never lose the potent vision of Dicky Williams' try and Bert Cook's incredible goal from the halfway line in ankle-deep mud and the delirium they brought. Those two cameo moments will live with me forever.
By contrast, I can still recall a match on Boxing Day at Headingley when Leeds had Bob McMaster and twelve reserves lining up to face a renowned Wakefield Trinity outfit and amazingly won. The atmosphere was sensational as the underdogs bearing our colours rose so gallantly to the occasion for an unbelievable victory against all the odds.
Neil Jeffries
Originally published in 'Headingley Rugby Voices' Recollections of supporters, compiled by Phil Caplan.
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Memory added on September 19, 2012
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