Sedgefield Ball Game
Ball Game 2006
This is our tradition that remains more famous than even Mr Blair... the Shrove Tuesday Ball Game.
For those that do not know, the game is reputed to be 700-1000 years old, and is one of the oldest surviving traditions of it's type in the country. Originally contested by two teams, The Tradesmen and The Countrymen, the game today is a free for all, though with the same aim, to win the ball.
At one o'clock the ball is passed through the bull ring on the village green three times and thrown to the crowds. Here it is kicked, thrown, and chased, until around 4.00pm, when someone attempts to win the ball.
The ball must enter the one remaining alley, (goal), a stream at the south of the village. It is then back to the bull-ring, the ball being passed through to end the game and win the ball.
Sound easy? The game has mellowed over recent years, many injuries today occur from the curious notion that it is fun to head the ball..?
May this game be better than the last.
The rhyme: When with pancakes ye are sated
Come to the ring and ye'll be mated
There this ball will be upcast
May this game be better than the last.
Text courtesy and copyright of Stephen Curry
