One of the most depressing games to be at was the 1995 Premiership Final at Old Trafford when we were mercilessly tonked by Wigan by a record score.
They had beaten us at Wembley the week before as well and to be honest we were dreading the return fixture. We felt we had a real chance in London but come the day we'd never really looked like winning and we were really down all that week following. I can't even imagine how the players must have felt.
There were injuries to some of our best, including Hanley and Schofield, and we feared the worst. I don't think I've ever dreaded going to a game more, especially as the whole thing was being beamed live to the nation. Unfortunately our fears proved well-founded and Wigan began superbly and got better, shocking our usually vociferous support into near silence.
In the midst of the despair, though, there is always someone who can raise a laugh.
Late in the game, with Wigan already ahead by over sixty points, Leeds broke away and amazingly Craig Innes posted a try. We were so embarrassed by then that we were hardly in the mood for celebration but someone behind me shouted out in frustration above the eerie silence, 'We effing needed that' which raised a smile.
Then someone else called over, 'Come on Leeds you're cutting it a bit fine' which got us smirking before my mate joined in with, 'Heads up lads, only another fifty-eight drop goals to go!'
Garry Morrell
Originally published in 'Headingley Rugby Voices' Recollections of supporters, compiled by Phil Caplan.
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Memory added on November 26, 2012
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