I took part (for a short time anyway) and followed the game during its second day of play on Ash Wednesday. A fantastic and unique (almost free for all) football game played throughout the streets and fields (and river) of Ashbourne with the goals about 2 miles apart. The ball was turned up by a local ex-stock car racer Dave Mellor. I followed the game from the start at 2.00pm until 6.30pm (when it was getting a bit too dark to see the play in the fields). The game carried on until nearly 10.00pm when the Up’ards scored. The sun was shining once again which made watching the game a lot easier. I bet the insurance premium is a lot for an event like this!!

Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday herald one of the worlds oldest, largest, longest and maddest football games. This year there has been an accusation of cheating at the Royal Shrovetide Game. An investigation is underway into whether a second ball was introduced during Wednesdays game shortly before the ball was goaled. The secreatary of the Shrovetide Committee, Mick Betteridge, says they are taking the allegations seriously.

The final result was Up'ards 2 Down'ards 0. Tuesdays goal was scored by Stuart Lemon just before 8.00pm. Wednesdays ball was scored by Matt Burtonshaw (27) at 9.56pm and is said to have grabbed a loose ball and ran like the wind. Apparently he was unstoppable.

Tuesdays ball was turned up by David Wheatcroft (Chief Executive of Derbyshire Dales District Council). Wednesdays ball was turned up by Dave Mellor (local businessman, champion stock car racer and former player of the game).