Living so close, it was like having a palace on your doorstep and we were in there all the time, winter and summer, watching or playing one sport or another. As well as the rugby and cricket, I’ve seen top class athletics and cycling up there and one of the biggest events used to be the annual Printers’ Sports Day.
For rugby matches we always went behind the goals at the Kirkstall Lane end - we had a mortgage on our own spot - and I used to stand there with my father until he died when I eventually got a seat in the stand. We knew so many people there and we’d all meet at the first league match and shake hands and wish each other a good season. It was a very close atmosphere and I’ve found that with rugby supporters in general wherever I have gone or we have met up for a chat.
Whenever I’m there it always feels very, very comfortable - a real sense of belonging – it’s been a part of my life for all my life. Just walking through the gates brings memories flooding back. Mention Leeds abroad and people might not know it but as soon as you say Headingley, Leeds then you’re on the same wavelength - it must be a marketing man’s dream.
Gordon Morrish
Originally published in 'Headingley Rugby Voices' Recollections of supporters, compiled by Phil Caplan.
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Memory added on October 22, 2012
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