A HISTORIC sport was played in the streets of a Scottish Borders town once again today as dozens took part in the ancient tradition.
Jedburgh’s annual Hand Ba’ game sees Uppies and Doonies battle it out to get a small leather ball, decorated with a tail of ribbons, to the opposite ends of the town.
Jedburgh’s annual Hand Ba’ game with the Uppies and Doonies[/caption]
It all starts with the ribboned ball being thrown into a ruck of the two teams[/caption]
Pictures from today’s event shows dozens of locals taking part in the game[/caption]
The teams are chosen by where the players live – Uppies are those born to the South and Doonies to the North of the Market Cross.
The event is traditionally held on the first Thursday after Shrove Tuesday.
It is just one of a few still staged in the UK, many have died out due to damage to properties and the disruption they have caused.
The tradition dates back to the 1700s and the two teams compete to get the ball into their respective goals.
There are no rules to the game apart from one – you are not allowed to kick the ball.
A boys game take place before the men’s event starts later on in the day.
The town centre comes to a standstill ahead of the match, with shops boarded up.
It all starts with the ball being thrown into a ruck of the two teams.
The Uppies try to take the ball towards the castle, while the Doonies attempt to carry it towards the Jedwater.
Pictures from today’s event shows dozens of locals taking part in the game.
Residents were seen chucking the ball around, with some scrambling to the ground in a big pile up, or a maul.
Snaps also show players with the small leather ball get chased by a huge crowd as they try to win it back.
The town centre comes to a standstill ahead of the match, with shops boarded up[/caption]
Snaps also show players with the small leather ball get chased by a huge crowd as they try to win it back[/caption]
