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Team dive for cover at Atherstone Ball Game

28 February 2006

Ever keen to be involved in the local community the team at Pin Digital looked forward to joining in fun of the 806th annual Atherstone Ball Game which took place on Tuesday 28th February 2006. However upon closer inspection of the rules of the game (or rather lack of) the team decided to view the events from the comfort and safety of their offices instead!

The Atherstone Ball Game is one of the oldest traditions in the country dating back to the 12th Century. Every Shrove Tuesday the shops and businesses on Long Street, the main street running through the town, board up their windows in preparation for the game.

There are no teams, no goals and most certainly no rules! Hundreds of people gather to fight for the honour of being the one holding a specially made large leather ball, at the end of the game. As well as a place in history the winner also gets to take the ball home!

The ball, made by the famous manufacturers Gilbert of Rugby, weighs a mighty four pounds and is filled with water to prevent it being kicked too far.

The match started at 3pm when the ball was thrown out of a window of the local Barclays Bank. The ball proceeded up and down Long Street several times in a series of throws, scrummages, kicks and individual possessions until just after 4.30, when it was legitimately allowed to be deflated or hidden. The person holding the ball when the claxon sounded at 5pm was declared the winner.

Managing Director Steve Noctor commented, “Atherstone is a wonderful town steeped in history and moving here recently was one of the best decisions we have ever made. There is a great community spirit in Atherstone and events like the Ball Game and Dickens Night are a great example of this. We can’t wait until next years game although I think we will just be spectating again!”

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