THE second and final hurling match of the year held in St Columb Major was a spirited affair.

A large crowd gathered to take part and watch the game between the Countrymen and the Townsmen, which was eventually won by Kaylup Johns for the Townsmen.

He gained possession and took the ball via Halveor Lane and ran unchallenged to the Mawgan Parish boundary at Carnanton Woods.

Phil Ellery from St Columb Old Cornwall Society said: “Under much better weather conditions than Shrove Tuesday, a large crowd gathered for the St Columb Saturday Hurling match in 2026.

“Following the 4.30pm throw-up and the traditional cry — "Town and Country do your best, for in this parish I must rest” — the game moved through the main streets in a spirited mix of scrumming and passing. In keeping with local custom, play was occasionally paused to allow onlookers of all ages to handle the silver ball.

“The match intensified as the one-hour mark approached. Countryman William Ellery made a determined break down Bank Street toward the Country goal, but he was intercepted on New Road by a Townsman.

“The resulting scramble allowed the rest of the field to catch up and stall the momentum. Eventually, the ball was worked back through the churchyard to the Recreation Ground, where 38-year-old Kaylup Johns gained possession.

“Johns took the ball via Halveor Lane and ran unchallenged to the Mawgan Parish boundary at Carnanton Woods to secure the win.

“By keeping the ball in the town for the full hour, Johns collected a £50 reward offered by 1994 Town winner Mark Windebank.

“This victory makes Johns a dual winner, having previously won for the Country in 2019. He will remain the custodian of the ball until next Shrove Tuesday on February 9, 2027.”