Looking back, my favourite player would have to be Andrew Ettingshausen.
He had everything: grace, balance, speed, strength and drop-dead gorgeous looks! He played in some wonderful matches for Leeds and was one of those players who could turn a game on their own with a touch of magic- there were many reasons why you couldn’t take your eyes off him.
He came over from Australia twice to play for Leeds and I can remember the excitement generated in the city when it was announced that he had signed for a second spell. That was because his first had ended in disaster and we were sure we would never see him again.
Leeds had just missed out on Wembley in 1986, losing in a heart-breaking semi-final replay, and the following year, with ‘ET’ in the ranks we were certain that we would go one better. Wins in the earlier rounds over lesser opposition saw us draw the then mighty Widnes at Headingley in the quarter-finals and a big crowd turned up knowing that if we lost it would be Andrew’s last game. That gave the occasion added tension and excitement for me as we squashed in to the South Stand to cheer ourselves hoarse.
The game was really exciting although Widnes always looked stronger and held a narrow lead late in the second half. With time running out, my man tried a chip over in a last desperate attempt to win the game. It wasn’t one of his best efforts and instead of him regathering it and romping away, Widnes caught the ball and scored the winning try.
We were desolate, I was speechless and Leeds were out of the cup. My despair was compounded on leaving the ground when I heard people saying how it was all Andrew’s fault and he must have been paid by the opposition.
Two years later, my hero returned and won a Yorkshire Cup medal. When the Challenge Cup came round after Christmas, he was in superb form again, and ironically, we drew Widnes at Headingley in the quarter finals.
This time over 25,000 turned up and the atmosphere and anticipation was nearly suffocating. I was sure that the stage was set for Andrew’s revenge but Widnes destroyed us by half-time and we were inconsolable for another year. The following week he finally returned home after wearing the blue and amber for the last time.
Karen Batley
Originally published in 'Headingley Rugby Voices' Recollections of supporters, compiled by Phil Caplan.
www.scratchingshedpublishing.com Twitter @scratchingshed2
Follow Sporting Memories Network @sportsmemnet
Memory added on October 22, 2012
Comments (Add your voice)
No comments have yet been added to this memory.
