Background
It has been played since the 12th century, but the exact origins of the game are unknown - one theory suggests the 'ball' was originally a severed head tossed into the waiting crowd following an execution.
The match begins at 2 p.m. Each day when the specially made ball is "turned up" from a plinth in Shawcroft. Two teams, the 'up'ards' and 'down'ards' compete to 'goal' the ball at their particular goal post. The two sets of goal posts are 3 miles apart at former mills on the brook.
Anthem
Before the match begins, the following anthem is sung in a ceremony in the town's Green Man Hotel:
There's a town still plays this glorious game
Tho' tis but a little spot.
And year by year the contest's fought
From the field that's called Shaw Croft.
Then friend meets friend in friendly strife
The leather for to gain,
'And they play the game right manfully,
In snow, sunshine or rain.
Chorus
'Tis a glorious game, deny it who can
That tries the pluck of an Englishman.
For loyal the Game shall ever be
No matter when or where,
And treat that Game as ought but the free,
Is more than the boldest dare.
Though the up's and down's of its chequered life
May the ball still ever roll,
Until by fair and gallant strife
We've reached the treasur'd goal.
Chorus
'Tis a glorious game, deny it who can
That tries the pluck of an Englishman.
Rules
*Committing murder or manslaughter is prohibited. Unnecessary violence is frowned upon.
*The ball may not be carried in a motorised vehicle.
*The ball may not be hidden in a bag, coat or rucksack, etc.
*Cemeteries, churchyards and the town's memorial gardens are strictly out of bounds.
*Playing after 10 p.m. is forbidden.
*To Score a goal the ball must be tapped 3 times in the area of the goal.
