SPORT
Sporty Sussex Having looked into croquet, hockey, bowls and tennis in May, Hanna Prince turns her attention to four more sports this June. It’s time to get ready to go fishing, run for checkpoints, swing for glory and bat for Britain!
Stoolball Although the game first originated back in the 15th century, it was in Sussex during the 19th century that the first organised teams played, spreading nationwide after WWI Two teams compete to see who can score the most runs. Batsmen score by hitting the ball into the field and running between two wickets, or by hitting the ball beyond a boundary line. It’s fast-paced, fun and easy to get into. “Stoolball is cheap to play, you don’t need your own equipment and it’s a really good community – you make loads of friends,” said Rick Mason, a
Golf With 66 clubs to choose from, Sussex is a top spot for anybody looking to try their hand at golf This historic club-and-ball sport has been played in Britain since the 15th century, with the first 18-hole course created at the Old Course in St Andrews in 1764. The Open Championship first played in 1860 remains the premier global tournament. Today, golf courses
vice president of Stoolball’s governing body, Stoolball England. “First and foremost it’s about camaraderie, but the ladies’ game is more competitive than the mixed. There are county and England exhibition games in ladies, whereas the mixed game is really just about having a good time.” One advantage of this traditional Sussex sport is that it’s multi-generational. It’s commonly played in schools and there are junior teams across the area, but kids can also take part in adult games from the age of 11. Something you see a lot in stoolball is families playing together,” says Rick. “I play with my
sister and in our team we also have a mother and son.” The starting point for anybody hoping to take up stoolball is the Stoolball England website: www.stoolball.org.uk – Use the map to find your local team and contact the team manager directly for advice on how to sign up.
consist of either 9 or 18 holes, with an 18-hole round taking about four hours to complete. Nearly 900,000 people in England play golf regularly – so what’s the big appeal? “It’s healthy exercise,” said Peter Scaramanga, a regular player based in Lewes. “I love being outside in the fresh air, enjoying the views. The other critical thing is the social element. With most sports it’s quite difficult to chat and play at the same time, whereas with golf you can have a chat along the way.” Another big part of golf’s appeal, said Peter, is that it offers the opportunity for players of all
levels to compete against one another. “Because of the handicapping system, you can play golf with people who are much better than you and much worse than you,” he said. “You can play with your wife, your friends, your kids – regardless of ability.” Beginners will generally need to take lessons from a professional before progressing to playing full games. Contact your local golf course to find out how to get started.
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32 SUSSEX LIVING | June 2021
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