With the Big Prize

I had a most excellent trip to Manchester last night to watch a game of 'proper' rugby. After the feeble and slightly embarrassing antics of the England Rugby Union team over the past couple of weeks it was very refreshing to see a highly entertaining and compelling match of Rugby League.

I was part of a record crowd of 73512 at Old Trafford to watch the Super League Grand Final between Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors. These two teams have been neck and neck all season and the winner of this match would crowned champions. 

There was a lot riding on the match, Leeds had won the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders Shield, and the Grand Final would clinch a very rare domestic treble. Adding to the sense of occasion was that three legends of the game of Rugby League and of Leeds were retiring after the match. Jamie Peacock, Kylie Leuluai and captain Kevin Sinfield were leaving the club after many years of service and success, so the pressure was on to give them a fitting send off.

The game didn't get off the greatest of starts with Wigan seeming to score with ease, but Leeds struck back with two tries, and led 16-6 at half time.

The second half was very tense as Wigan struck back twice to take the lead at 20-16, before Leeds struck with 16 minutes to go and they hung on to claim the biggest prize in the game for the 7th time since 2004.

It was my first time at the Grand Final, after a spur of the moment decision to try and buy a ticket after the semi final last Friday and I was so glad to be there and celebrate a fabulous win.

Here is a picture of me pre-match with the Grand Final trophy.

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