GALLERY: Annual Angmering conkers competition

Chris Shore and Bob Horne on the Skool Bullies team at the S.C.O.T.C.H. competition PICTURES: KATE SHEMILT ks15000513-4

Now in its 36th year, the annual competition at The Spotted Cow Angmering, saw 12 teams of three players battle it out for the title and Alley Cat Cattery Shield.

The first round losers were entered into a plate draw, so that all teams could play at least two rounds.

The overall winning team was Bonkers Conkers, Steve Hodgson, Mick Mills and ten-year-old Ben Mills, who beat Sam++, Sam Boon, Neil Matthews and Mark Chant, for the title.

The third place game was won by The Conkerers, nine-year-old Tom Lawson, Henry Bott and Kay Bott, while the plate competition was won by Leach and Sons, Peter Leach, Ralph Leach, 11, and Austin Leach, nine.

Organiser Anthony Booty said: “There was a barbecue and raffle that contributed to a profit of approximately £800, which will be donated to Chestnut Tree House.

“Throughout the afternoon, members of the crowd were playing individual games.

“Remaining conkers were taken by a family who help organise a conker competition at a pub on Exmoor.”

Thomas Lawson, nine, and Sam Boon do battle ks1500513-3

After the competition, customers were treated to live music from Mad Max.

The group S.C.O.T.C.H. (Spotted Cow Organisation to Create Help) was formed as a fundraising group in March 1980 after a discussion between Anthony Booty, Roger Paterson and Chris Shore. The aim was to raise money for charity and a committee of pub regulars was formed.

The inaugural matches in the S.C.O.T.C.H. Team Conker Competition, designed for teams of three players of all ages, was held in October the same year. Thousands of pounds have been raised for various charities since.

Mr Booty said: “In that time, only two teams have won the competition more than once.

“It is recommended that the minimum age limit is eight years old. There is no maximum age limit – the oldest player in past years has been 98 years young.”

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