LIMBS flying, a scrum in the town square and people diving for a leather ball might seem like the world has gone mad but it’s just a few things that happened at today’s (March 1) annual Sedgefield Ball Game that marked Shrove Tuesday in the County Durham town.
While many households might be tucking into pancakes later this evening, people in Sedgefield have chosen to celebrate Shrove Tuesday a little different for more than 900 years.
On what was a sunny day, hundreds of people lined the streets to see the ball game take place, with dozens getting involved in the ‘muddy scrums’ that often happened this afternoon.
Read more: Pictures: Sedgefield ball game brings blood, sweat and pints
With the tradition getting cancelled last year, due to Covid-19 restrictions, it returned with purpose and drew a crowd from far and wide. Some people even travelled 200 miles from the South of England to see the ball game today.
There was also small pauses of play in the ball game to allow the young and old residents in the market town to have a kick or throw of the ball in what was an emotional moment for Sedgefield families.
But what is the ball game?
The traditional ‘ball game’ is believed to date back to the 13th century when St Edmund’s Church was completed and the stonemason challenged the townsfolk to a celebratory game of football, a time when health and safety was not a priority.
However, it has also been a game that has been played between town/tradespeople and farmers.
The aim of the game is to ‘battle’ for the ball when it kicks off at 1pm each Shrove Tuesday. The game is organised by a secret group of residents and is kicked off by the town ‘elder’, which, this year, was John Blakey.
From the start, which is signalled when the ball has been passed through the ‘bullring’ three times, people throw, kick and pile for the ball from 1pm until 4pm, but the ball goes missing in between when many of the players take a break in the many pubs in the town, with some taking part getting free drinks in certain pubs if they come in with the ball.
The game ends when the ball has been taken down to the beck at the edge of Sedgefield and then passed through the bullring once again. The person who puts the ball through is then declared the winner, and usually hoisted up on the shoulder of other participants.
While it was a traditionally team game, where people were divided into two groups, these days, it’s usually a ‘free for all’, but some people do pair together to make it easier to win the ball game.
What do people in Sedgefield think about the ball game?
To the outsider looking in, it may seem like a violent, rugby-like game, but many people in Sedgefield get behind it and support the past time.
The town is well acquainted with the sport, and they prepare in advance with businesses and houses boarding windows just in case. However, some people who park their cars near to the action can’t always guarantee the safety of their vehicle. Often some things do get broken.
However, most people in Sedgefield see it as a “right of passage” and a “tradition that needs protecting”.
Paul Dodsworth, who has taken part in the ball game for more than 30 years, loves the tradition because it unites young and old.
He said: “Everyone is up for the laugh. I started playing when I was 11 in the ball game, and I’ve not stopped since.
“It’s great to see everyone out and about, united in the fact that we all play this unique sport. What other events could you see very young people and very old people uniting.
“While it might look out of hand, it does stop at a lot of points for people to catch their breath.”
Meanwhile, Lewis Archer, who won the ball game in 2010, says that it’s a family event that’s also seen his dad and uncle win the event previously.
He added: “It’s important that we keep traditions like this in Sedgefield – it’s a great thing for people here.”
Business owners in Sedgefield, Duncan and Charlie, who run Needful Things Deli, believe that the ball game is a great thing for the town and should be encouraged at all cost.
They said: “Some other businesses have boarded up their windows, but we think it’s great fun, and to see people having fun and a return to the ball game after Covid is important.”
Former Mayor of Sedgefield, Chris Lines, looks forward to the ball game each year, and has taken part for many years.
Despite him breaking two ribs in years gone by, he calls the event “brilliant fun” and “a Sedgefield tradition”.
Isn’t the ball game considered too rough and violent?
Alongside the ball game, a small presence of police officers from Durham Constabulary were seen at the event. However, the emergency workers maintain that they were there just to observe and protect property.
Steve Brown, who is part of the Durham neighbourhood team, was one of the officers there this afternoon, but insists that the ‘game’ is a tradition and the police’s job is to ensure everyone enjoys the day.
He said: “We usually don’t have to step in – our main function is to protect property and road users. There are no road closures, so cars are still driving on the roads when this is going on.
“Most people just want to get out on the streets and get a touch of the ball and see it as great fun. I hope everyone safely enjoys the ball game.”
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