GREAT Britain's Test defeat against Australia at Leeds on Sunday proved a double disaster for many Saints' fans - because they arrived at Elland Road just before half-time! (writes Denis Whittle).

And I should know, because I was among three coachloads of supporters who assembled at Knowsley Road for a scheduled 11.30am departure, blissfully unaware that mechanical and traffic problems lay ahead.

First hint that it was not to be our day came when two coaches had to be delayed to await the arrival of several people who were under the impression that move-off time was noon.

Given that the kick-off was 2pm and with a capacity gate guaranteed, it was 'cutting it fine' to say the least that fans would not see the start of the Ashes decider.

And their fears were compounded when one of the coaches - which were travelling in tandem - broke down on the M62 motorway.

A replacement vehicle then arrived to convey supporters - many desperate for a toilet - the remaining 35 miles to Leeds. But their headaches were just beginning as they found themselves trapped in an horrendous traffic jam.

Realising that thousands of fans who had bought tickets were stranded police put the kick-off back to 2.15pm, but it was 2.50pm before irate supporters dashed from the coaches, with the problem of re-location to come later!

Said Saints' marketing executive Mike Callaghan: "Travel company managing director Peter Rowlands has apologised for the inconvenience caused to Saints' supporters. Anyone who was a passenger on number two coach should contact me in order that we clarify the matter further."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.