Annual Sedgefield Ball Game sees the County Durham town become a gladiator’s arena as residents’ scrum to be crowned winner.
The Shrove Tuesday tradition is guaranteed to result in bumps, bruises, and blood as the sport is a complete tactical free-for-all involving the fight for a ball in Sedgefield town centre.
The sport kicks off every year with a respected member of the community known as a ‘village elder’ passing the small leather ball through a hoop three times in Sedgefield town centre.
It was Rita Curry’s turn to inaugurate the annual match this year, and she was excited to get stuck into the game but said it was a shame she couldn’t run after the ball.
The game even saw a bus get involved as the ball rolled onto the roof - residents showed fast sportsmanship as they rocked the bus back and forth to retrieve the ball and continue the game.
Although some residents had faith that the game wouldn't get out of hand many local businesses boarded up their front windows in preparation for the event to avoid any accidental property damage.
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Incredibly theatrical, emotional, heart-warming and thrilling the Sedgefield Ball Game was an unbelievable experience to witness first-hand.
Many young residents got involved in the event, there was plenty of grace given to children getting involved, the game often stopped or calmed to allow younger competitors to get their chance and have their moment in the spotlight.
Enthusiasm and determination beamed from the faces of Sedgefield residents as they huffed and puffed around the town centre.
The game exuded a great sense of community identity for the residents of Sedgefield who anticipate the Shrove Tuesday event all year round.
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