Published: 27/02/2009 00:00 -
Updated: 29/01/2010 12:32
I think for me this year was one of the best games spectators have been blessed with in some years!
A goal either end to whet both sides, a second ball - rare these days - and the Wednesday ball being so open in the streets due to its size and weight.
It started for me months ago with my painting of the leather, but Monday saw myself and colleague Danielle Harrison being joined by Luke O'Ryan and Chris Maddox from Burton College who, with high definition film, were the News Telegraph's film crew for our new annual DVD.
Many stalwarts were interviewed, including past goal scorers, rare balls, old photographs and tales told, BOTH goals contrary to rumour were filmed from the best vantage point possible... atop the goal!!
More about the film in a later blog once it has been professionally edited and compiled.
As usual I found myself with my usual 'partners in crime' Denise and Lucy Brown, for me Shrovetide just wouldn't be the game it is without seeing it with them!
Although this year we didn't have the use of Billy Webster's conveniences so we had to cross our legs a bit more than normal!
Being a Down'ard it was really strange to be in the fields near Doles Farm, and excitement at the goal waiting for the players to come in really made you feel quite sick!
It was glory beyond belief to see the ball come down the river and eventually touch the mill stone by a truly worthy winner!
It was during the euphoria that we were pushed by an unsporting player, Denise managed to regain her footing but I ended up to the knees and breaking two fingers!
It achieved NOTHING as I considered the water in my boots 'holy water' from Clifton Mill so Lucy strapped my damaged fingers and I carried on!
My great grandad Joe would have been proud of me as he goaled five balls himself!
I was thrilled to see veteran player and rasta 1980s singer Eddie Grant... Sorry! Hubert Connell, turn up the second leather after waiting for SO long!
Surly players could see how an early goal meant an emotional ex-player got to live his dream after waiting nearly nine years.
Wednesday's play was a bit more open, I think due to the size of the leather proving that increased size balls do make the game looser and it was great for the spectators to see the ball tossed aloft so freely!
It was a shame the approach to Sturston was over the fields but as i am not a fan of 'not goaled' balls was happy to accept it was goaled and with hardly anyone in the river, and this time certainly NOT me!
On the way home it hit us that it was all over and done with for another year!
With one hand I raise my glass to everyone connected with our great game for making it an excellent two days, and with the other I raise my middle finger to whoever pushed me in the river...
A goal either end to whet both sides, a second ball - rare these days - and the Wednesday ball being so open in the streets due to its size and weight.
It started for me months ago with my painting of the leather, but Monday saw myself and colleague Danielle Harrison being joined by Luke O'Ryan and Chris Maddox from Burton College who, with high definition film, were the News Telegraph's film crew for our new annual DVD.
Many stalwarts were interviewed, including past goal scorers, rare balls, old photographs and tales told, BOTH goals contrary to rumour were filmed from the best vantage point possible... atop the goal!!
More about the film in a later blog once it has been professionally edited and compiled.
As usual I found myself with my usual 'partners in crime' Denise and Lucy Brown, for me Shrovetide just wouldn't be the game it is without seeing it with them!
Although this year we didn't have the use of Billy Webster's conveniences so we had to cross our legs a bit more than normal!
Being a Down'ard it was really strange to be in the fields near Doles Farm, and excitement at the goal waiting for the players to come in really made you feel quite sick!
It was glory beyond belief to see the ball come down the river and eventually touch the mill stone by a truly worthy winner!
It was during the euphoria that we were pushed by an unsporting player, Denise managed to regain her footing but I ended up to the knees and breaking two fingers!
It achieved NOTHING as I considered the water in my boots 'holy water' from Clifton Mill so Lucy strapped my damaged fingers and I carried on!
My great grandad Joe would have been proud of me as he goaled five balls himself!
I was thrilled to see veteran player and rasta 1980s singer Eddie Grant... Sorry! Hubert Connell, turn up the second leather after waiting for SO long!
Surly players could see how an early goal meant an emotional ex-player got to live his dream after waiting nearly nine years.
Wednesday's play was a bit more open, I think due to the size of the leather proving that increased size balls do make the game looser and it was great for the spectators to see the ball tossed aloft so freely!
It was a shame the approach to Sturston was over the fields but as i am not a fan of 'not goaled' balls was happy to accept it was goaled and with hardly anyone in the river, and this time certainly NOT me!
On the way home it hit us that it was all over and done with for another year!
With one hand I raise my glass to everyone connected with our great game for making it an excellent two days, and with the other I raise my middle finger to whoever pushed me in the river...
