There were scrums and bloodied noses, but no rugby ball in sight.
Jedburgh’s annual Fastern Eve Handba game instead features a small black ball stuffed with straw and decorated with ribbons.
The tradition dating back to the 1700s sees two teams, the Uppies and the Doonies, compete to get the ball into their respective goals.
The ball is thrown into the crowd to begin the game (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Making a break for it (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Boys tussle for the ball (Andrew Milligan/PA)
An older competitor takes one for the team (Andrew Milligan/PA)
An elderly shopper watches the action on the High Street (Andrew Milligan/PA)
The local butcher is taking no chances, having boarded up his shop window (Andrew Milligan/PA)
The game is traditionally played on the Thursday after Shrove Tuesday or the following week (Andrew Milligan/PA)
