The quaint and ancient country town of St Columb Major in Cornwall, UK, comes alive with the spirited revelry of a rough-and-tumble contest between two teams representing the town and the countryside. The objective is to grasp and transport the Silver Ball to the parish boundaries—an ancient tradition with origins lost to the annals of time. The town and country team boundaries are situated in opposite directions, miles apart. During the contest, both local children and older residents are permitted to hold the Silver Ball, a gesture believed to ensure good luck.

Characterized by few rules, the game can be robust, prompting townsfolk to take precautions such as boarding up windows to guard against mishaps. The uniqueness of this tradition lies in its vast expanse, covering many square miles, and it may lay claim to having the largest game pitch anywhere. Following a hard-fought match, the Town team emerges victorious, parading triumphantly back to the town square.

As the evening progresses, a symbolic touch is added when the Silver Ball is ceremoniously dipped into the winner's beer. Legend has it that townsfolk sipping this drink can anticipate good luck in the ensuing year, infusing this age-old tradition with a delightful and folklore-inspired conclusion.

The small and ancient country town of St Columb Major in Cornwall UK celebrates a rough and tumble contest between two teams representing Town and country. The aim is to hold onto and transport the Silver Ball to the parish boundaries, The origins of this tradition are ancient and lost in time. One boundary for the town and the other for the country team are in separate directions many miles apart. Local children and older residents are allowed to hold the ball during the contest, good luck should then be ensured. With few rules, the game can be rough. Townsfolk board up windows against mishap. It is believed the game is unique in being held over many so square miles and may lay claim to the largest game pitch anywhere. The Town team wins this time and parades triumphantly back to the town square. Later in the evening, the silver Ball is dipped in the winner's beer, townsfolk who sip this drink may expect good luck in the following year.