On a chilly Sunday morning - the weather varying between damp mist and light drizzle – four teams lined up at Monkbretton Bridge, by the fishmarket for the traditional 'last day of Scallop Week' race. Each team had a barrowful of scallop shells (heavier than they look), and on the stroke of 11am set off for the finish line outside the Ship Inn on Strand Quay.
The route takes the teams down a narrow footpath between the allotments and Rock Channel where it is impossible to see what (if any) nefarious tactics may be used to establish the front runners, but the first to arrive at the finish point was Rye Town FC thus demonstrating the skill and fitness that has brought them no little success on the field in this, their first year back in business as a revived football club.
A short gap saw the team from the Mermaid coming in next followed by the Harbour Health Club in third place and finally Stamco (who also kindly provided the barrows) but minus two of their runners who finally appeared some time later.
As always, a good bit of lighthearted (but competitive) fun, with the teams, after presentation of the Scallop trophy, retiring to the welcome warmth of the Ship bar for a well-earned thirst quencher or two. And congratulations to Rye Town FC.
Photos: John Minter
