Boys Ba'

DDW's December Challenge Day 25 : Christmas Day

There is a traditional game held on the streets of Kirkwall on Christmas day and New Year's day. Two teams battle for possession of a ball. At 10am on Christmas day the two teams for the Boys Ba' assemble and catch the ball. The scrum move slowly either "up" or "doon" depending on the luck of the sides playing. This morning, as HV and I watched, the Boys Ba' was headed doon. To win, the "Doonies" have to get the Ba into the basin of the harbour, which generally means someone going into the water.
I took this in pouring rain, after near enough 3 hours of play, the boys crushed against the railings around the harbour basin. It was just a matter of time before it was won.
I don't think HV stopped smiling the entire time we were spectating, despite the weather turning vile. Have a look at her blip of the start of the game...