Bless me... rugby league pitch dedicated

The 2012 Super League champions had their recently re-turfed Headingley pitch ceremonially blessed ahead of their clash against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on December 26.

Honorary chaplain Steven Mitchell led a prayer of consecration in dedication of the new ground on Saturday.

But it was not all celebration, as Mr Mitchell also took the opportunity to remember late players and fans. Among those remembered were Rhinos fans David and Dorothy Metcalf, aged 68 and 65 respectively, from Cookridge, Leeds, who were killed in a car crash on Boxing Day last year.

Mr Mitchell said: “In the future there are plans to have an annual service of remembrance but this year was about dedicating the new pitch and holding a memorial service.

“We were celebrating those who had since passed, sharing their memories, and blessing the new pitch.

“I also wanted to make a point of unity by scattering soil from the old pitch onto the new one in honour of all the great players, who have since died, as well as fans – many of whom have had their ashes scattered there.

“It was very moving and I 
had a very positive response. It’s a 
very big thing in rugby 
league.”

A memorial stone was also unveiled in the memorial garden at the Carnegie Stadium at the weekend.

Leeds Rhinos spokesman Phil Daly said: “There were a number of reasons we held the service on Saturday. Firstly at this time of the year it is traditional when fans come to the stadium to remember loved ones who they perhaps went to the game with.

“Having replaced our old pitch there was a number of people who had had their ashes interned so there was a ceremonial transferral of some soil from the old pitch into the new pitch and thirdly it was to bless the pitch ahead of Boxing Day.”