Forgotten centuries-old ball game making surprise comeback

By Victoria Finan

A long-lost sport once feared dead is being dusted off and played again in the villages where it was born.

Knurr-and-spell was once played widely in pubs across South Yorks, but had all but vanished by the 1970s.

The quirky ball game - which bears a similarity to golf - sees players hit a pot ball with a specially fashioned stick.

The winner is the person who can hit the ball - called the knurr - the furthest.

Boz Davison, from Crane Moor near Barnsley, South Yorks., is on a mission to bring back the game.

While traditionally carved sticks are now almost impossible to come by, that has not deterred Davison.

He said: "I came across a book with some pictures of knurr-and-spell from 1933.

"In the series of books called Played In Britain, it was described as a defunct game.

"Well, that was like red rag to a bull.

"So I started to look at how to make some of the equipment to bring it back. And we’ve had four games so far."

Among those who have been watching Davison's efforts with interest include former players from knurr-and-spell's last revival in the 1970s.

He said: "There’s a player at Grenoside, Eric Wilson, who won the World Championship in 1969, and he's been and had a go.

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“And another player, Tommy Chambers, who played in the 1972 World Championships.

"They think it’s great it’s coming back.”

Davison has relaxed the rules around sticks for his version of the revival, he explained.

"I think the game packed in because it was so elitist.

"You had to have certain equipment and someone who could make the sticks.

"We let anybody use anything within reason to hit the pottie.

"The sticks are a nightmare; if you had a go at trying to make them it would take you at least a week.

"The techniques have all gone.

"We wouldn’t let someone use a tennis bat as it has strings, but we are allowing hurling sticks and hockey sticks.

"Years ago, people used to walk around with a walking stick, practicing. All that has gone."

Davison has also taken knurr-and-spell kits to local fun days and fetes in a bid to have the younger generation’s interest ignited by the game.

The next formal match is planned for Leeds later this year.

Davison also hopes to set up games in Lancashire to reignite the classic Roses rivalry.

While in the 1970s, players might have been less concerned about health and safety than people today, Davison has ensured everyone is covered - having taken out public liability insurance.