Rugby + Basket Ball = Cornwall Net Ball... 1910

Another sport from the deadpool of forgotten sports... the game of Net Ball, as reported by The Boy's Own Paper in a 4 pages article in 1910, seems to be a great blend of Rugby and Basket Ball !

This article explains that this game is a modern codification of a ball game that has been played for centuries in Cornwall - called "Hurling" (though it as no affinity with the Irish game...)

Nothing to do either with Net Ball as it is played today by women... ! This Cornish Net Ball seems to be much funnier... ! nine players-a-side playing with a rugby ball on a rugby ground (physically demanding !)... running and passing only, as kicking and dribbling are forbidden... no off-side and forward passes allowed... and so are tackles, of course ! No scrums : when a player and the ball are held ("a lock") after a tackle, the forwards gather round and the referee bounces the ball on the ground midway between them... as below....

Anyone knows if this Net Ball has survived ?

You could find larger picture and the text of the article in this Flickr folder.

Edited Jan.23, 2009 : Rugby Netball of the XXIth century is here @ www.rugbynetball.com !