Most people think of pancakes when they discuss Shrove Tuesday traditions. But flipping batter in a frying pan will be the last thing on the minds of the people in Ashbourne.
The dignified game of soccer has its roots in what might be called The "Mob" game. Remnants of the ancient mob game still exists in places such as Ashbourne in Derbyshire, Workington in Cumbria and Kirkwall in Orkney, Scotland. They all have slightly different rules but the result is the same-get a ball shaped thing or a " 'ba" as the Scots pronounce it, through the opposition goal, which is a milestone at each end of the town. Hundreds take part and there are few rules.
The Ashbourne game carries on through rivers and woods, up hill, down dell and en route houses have to board up their windows to prevent damage. There are casualties also, with emergency services standing by.
The Ashbourne Royal Derby match has been played since 1667 at least, although records were lost in a fire. Famous game openers, that is "turning up the ball", have been Prince Charles, Brian Clough, Sir Stanley Matthews and in 2016, a local ex-player, who has reached 100 years. See the photo on Bill Milward who played in the game when he was a lad. These days men and women, lads and lasses join in.
The game lasts for around two days and starts at 2pm on Shrove Tuesday, lasting till 10 at night. If you can load this link then you might get a song and a bit more history for about 2 mins and a half!
The song was written in 1891 and sung to raise money to pay for the fines incurred by locals for playing a "mob" game in the streets!
On March 2nd 2013, Southampton met Queens Park Rangers in a Premier League match at St Mary’s. Amazingly both managers, Mauricio Pochettino, then of Southampton and Harry Redknapp of QPR – celebrated their birthdays that day. Howard Webb reffed and 31,728 enjoyed a 1-2 result.
Southampton starting line up that day: Boruc, Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Cork, Schneiderlin, Fox, Puncheon, Ramirez, Lallana, Lambert. Bench: Shaw, Rodriquez and Ward-Prowse.
QPR: Cesar, Hill, Samba, Bosingwa, M'bia, Traore, Granero, Ji-sung, Hoilett, Bothroyd, Remy. Bench: Jenas, Green, Da Silva
Mauricio, born in Murphy, Argentina is 50 today.
Redknapp, born in Poplar, East London is 75!
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