THERE was lots of pushing and shoving but fortunately nobody was left flat as a pancake at the historic Shrove Tuesday hurling at St Columb Major.

Hundreds of people gathered to watch and take part in the traditional Silver Ball Hurling match played in the streets and in the surrounding countryside between the Townsmen and Countrymen of the parish at 4.30pm.

Town crier Sid Bennet called order in the Market Square, and the ball was called up by last year’s winner Craig Allen.

He nominated his young son Rowan to climbs a stepladder and throw the ball to the crowd, which was followed by a large scrum.

The aim of the ‘rough’ game, which sees shops barricading their windows and doors, is to place the ball in respective goals that are set about two miles apart or take it across the parish boundary.

The objective is to control possession by running with the ball, passing, throwing, snatching and tackling.

The hurl was eventually won by Sean Johns following a “fantastic” run to the boundary at Nanskeval into Mawgan parish to secure victory for the Town.

Sean has won the hurl 10 times for the Town and twice for the Country as it depends on where people live in the parish to which side they represent.

Countrymen Phil Ellery, who runs the St Columb Major hurling page, said: “The unusually sunny weather for the Shrove Tuesday hurl attracted a big crowd.

“I would ask people to take note of when the hurl is being played as we still get cars trying to drive through the town during the match who do not know what is going on.”

Historian Barry West added: “Shrove Tuesday is a special day in St Columb and a truly historic event, one I have attended for over 30 years it is when the tradition of hurling takes place, a second match will take place at the weekend as it has done for more years than anyone can recall.

“On arrival a for the occasional visitor, walking up the street towards the market place end of town, near the church it must seem, somewhat strange to see the almost deserted streets and windows shuttered up, especially if they have no idea what might soon unfold.

“But there is an air of excitement and anticipation that soon becomes apparent as the crowd begins to gather and swell near the war memorial on the street below.

“This is a gathering of families, friends young and old alike, many of whom who have several generations that have been a part of what was about to unfold.

“There is some ceremony and includes, calling up the ball which announces last year’s winner, and it was the town that won, Craig Allen from a St Columb family won both events last year.

“On this occasion a proud young lad, the son of last year’s winner stands atop the step ladder and prepares to hurl the silver ball into the eager crowd of men.

“But only after he called out these words, town and country do your best. But in this parish, I must rest.

“The silver ball is then launched into the air and a scramble fit the ball ensued and a scrum takes place on the tarmac.

“The game is hard, but it is in good spirits and it is clear there is a camaraderie and good spirit between the opposing players.

“Eventually someone manages to throw the ball out and a run is made for it.

“As the evening begins to pull in and the opposing teams run between the boundaries the ball passes between teams and then eventually someone will triumph.

“During the event young children are passed the ball and it is handed from one to another so that they are also able to be a part of something special and perhaps will play in their later years.

“At the end of the match the victor reigns supreme as he is carried shoulder high and carried through the street.

“Just when you thought it was all over, it seems the night is young and the local pubs begin to fill and the celebrations begin and another tradition is the "drinking the silver beer” when the ball is dipped into a mug of the winners drink.

“Many of those who took part in the earlier event try to get a sip of the drink, perhaps in the hope of bringing them luck for the hurling rematch which takes place the following weekend.

“Tradition tells us, that a ball of apple-wood with a thick coating of silver is the object contended for, and there are two goals each a mile distant from the place where the ball is thrown up, being thus two miles apart from each other.

“One is designated the "town goal" and the other the "country goal"; and the aim of each party of players is to get the ball to its own goal.”

The Country will have the opportunity to level the scores when the rematch is held on Saturday, March 15 at 4.30pm.