We decided to go to Barrow one Sunday and set off early so that we could take a leisurely trip through the Lake District on our way to the game.
We set ourselves the goal of being the first Leeds fans into the town and were busy waving at all the Wallace Arnold coaches and other cars that we passed on the way over the border. We went on the old route through Penrith and after a while we seemed to be the only car on the road so we settled back to enjoy the views. As we rounded the corner of one of the big lakes we saw a lone ‘Wally’s trolley’ parked in a lay-by. We slowed down because we were sure it couldn’t be a supporters’ coach as it was so far in front of the others. Then we saw a group of men jogging in single file around the shoreline.
We looked at the front of the coach and it had the huge team logo in the window, we had caught up the players and they were out stretching their legs and taking a breather. We pulled in and wandered over to watch and wave. Most of the guys smiled and as they climbed back on board we wished them good luck and patted them on the back.
Back in the car we decided to act as unofficial escort to the team and with scarves draped out the window we led the way into Craven car park, being allowed to enter the officials' car park even though we didn’t have a pass. The team won a narrow victory and we prided ourselves on the long journey home that we had been a part of it.
Paul Barker
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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