0:00:01 > 0:00:05I'm Alex Horne, a professional freelance sports archaeologist.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09And I've discovered some forgotten sports, some sports
0:00:09 > 0:00:12that have been lost, abandoned down the back of the sporting sofa.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16So I've undertaken to play these sports again and, if possible,
0:00:16 > 0:00:19to encourage others to do the same.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30Ever since my first car race,
0:00:30 > 0:00:32sporting competition has driven my life.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36Mostly against my brothers, Chip and Matt.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40As we tried every sport, they filled the house with trophies.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42I got one.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46I'm not bitter, but it did give me the thirst for new, different games.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Games like sports-related hat making
0:00:50 > 0:00:52and hovering ball watching.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56I'm a bit older and hairier now, but still as sports-mad.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59And when I discovered extinct sports called things like,
0:00:59 > 0:01:01the quintain, and the jingling match,
0:01:01 > 0:01:04I just had to try them.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06So I will.
0:01:06 > 0:01:12But it was an advert in a newspaper from 1794 that blew me away.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16"A very singular game of cricket will be played
0:01:16 > 0:01:18"on Tuesday 6th May in Lindstedt Park
0:01:18 > 0:01:22"between the gentlemen of the hill and the gentlemen of the dale,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24"for one guinea a man,
0:01:24 > 0:01:26"the whole to be performed on horseback."
0:01:26 > 0:01:30Yes, cricket, but on horseback. An amazing idea.
0:01:30 > 0:01:36Unfortunately that advert is pretty much all we now know about the game.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39There are no clues as to how it was actually played.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42So, that's what I'd need to figure out. That was my mission.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53When you're thinking of staging a pioneering game of cricket,
0:01:53 > 0:01:54there's really only one place to go.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Its spiritual home. So, here we are.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00It's Lord's in winter time.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02As you can see, everything is shut.
0:02:04 > 0:02:05Not much business going on.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07So, I'm going to try to persuade them
0:02:07 > 0:02:10to let us play cricket on horseback here.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12It should hopefully bring in the crowds.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14One thing that was open was the museum,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18which is a great place for a sports archaeologist to visit.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20- Welcome.- Thank you.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23As you can see, it's a treasure trove of the history of cricket.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Have you got any evidence here of horseback cricket?
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- Absolutely not.- That's amazing.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31I am surprised because there are definite reports of it.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33I believe there are photographs in existence of people
0:02:33 > 0:02:36travelling to cricket matches on horseback.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39It would seem to be more remarkable that people didn't think,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41"Let's just get these horses on the pitch."
0:02:41 > 0:02:43Especially if the ground was uneven anyway.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45So that's not an issue.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47At the time, there were no lawnmowers, so the grass was
0:02:47 > 0:02:49kept short by a flock of sheep.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51Did sheep get involved in the game?
0:02:51 > 0:02:54I believe they were removed before the match actually started.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58Quite handy fielders if the ball just embeds in the wool.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00You can pluck it out and that's a wicket.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10When I look out on that, the Lord's pitch,
0:03:10 > 0:03:12what I see is horses.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15I think what this needs is horses.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18What are the chances that we can do our game here?
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- I'd have to say slim to nil.- Slim?
0:03:22 > 0:03:24Somewhere between slim and nil?
0:03:24 > 0:03:27I was trying to sugar the pill there a bit for you.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29I'm afraid it's a nice idea, but somehow I don't think
0:03:29 > 0:03:32our chief groundsman is going to go for it.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- Maybe you should try the Oval. - Nothing I can say will persuade you?
0:03:34 > 0:03:36I'm afraid not.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38Gutted.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42Disappointed, but not deterred,
0:03:42 > 0:03:46I thought I'd try a popular 13th century sport as a warm-up.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50This one didn't involve horses, but it was related to a sport that did.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00Quintain is essentially pedestrian jousting for the horseless masses.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02It was a military exercise before becoming a sport
0:04:02 > 0:04:07and in Henry III's time, the traditional prize was a peacock.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11I've always been a fan of sticks, so for me a sport centred
0:04:11 > 0:04:13on a big stick was always going to be a winner.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15But first, I needed to find one.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20I've managed to persuade the local chippie
0:04:20 > 0:04:22to help construct things that I can't construct
0:04:22 > 0:04:26because there are certain items that you can't buy in the shops
0:04:26 > 0:04:28because these sports are no more.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30So this is his workshop.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35I love workshops. I want a workshop, but I wouldn't know
0:04:35 > 0:04:37how to work in a shop.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- Hi, Jim.- Hello, Alex.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44- Come in.- So, I need you to build me some things.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47First up, I need you to build me a quintain.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- Which is a...?- Quintain.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54For now, just a standard quintain.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56You keep saying quintain. I don't know what that is.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59This is jousting, but without the horses.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02So jousting, not on horseback.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05I think, as far as I know, the quintain is the target.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- The pole is the key. - Do you need a pole as well?
0:05:09 > 0:05:11Yes. So, you know what poles are?
0:05:11 > 0:05:12I know what poles are.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15What sort of dimensions of pole are we talking about?
0:05:15 > 0:05:17I'm thinking like that,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19just your standard jousting length. Common sense, really.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24If I roll-out a tape measure and say, "This long", you say yes or no.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28Very professional, Jim. Can we just use that, maybe?
0:05:28 > 0:05:30It's not hugely secure.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33So it's like that but more girth and more sturdiness.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35OK, this is a nine foot quintain.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37I think this is reasonable.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- That was quite dramatic. - Quite the direct strike.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- Did it hurt?- No. But I think you'd have got me in the abdomen.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48I'd have been on my way to hospital.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52So you're running 100 metres with a lance?
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- Yeah.- OK.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56It's going to be exhausting.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00And you're expecting a lot of takers for this?
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Maybe not 100 metres. I haven't quite thought this through yet.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05So, see you in a week and a half.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09See you later.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11- Bye.- Good luck making the thing.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18There were a load of sports played at 18th century country fairs,
0:06:18 > 0:06:20which I think are definitely worth another go.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22But they're not really full-blown sports.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26They're more like sportettes, like trampolining or keepy-uppys.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29One of them was called hot hasty pudding eating.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35In this game, players quite simply have to eat hot pies
0:06:35 > 0:06:36as fast as possible.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38"He whose throat is widest and most callous
0:06:38 > 0:06:40"is sure to be the conqueror",
0:06:40 > 0:06:43said one commentator at the time.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45And I think it's got to be worth rekindling a sport
0:06:45 > 0:06:49designed specifically for people with both wide and callous throats.
0:06:54 > 0:06:55It's worth reiterating just how
0:06:55 > 0:06:59much of an undertaking a game of cricket on horseback would be.
0:06:59 > 0:07:00Maybe there's a good
0:07:00 > 0:07:03reason why it hadn't been played for over 200 years.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05There are certainly lots of practicalities to sort out.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10Like, do you sit side-saddle or cowboy?
0:07:10 > 0:07:13How big do the wickets have to be?
0:07:13 > 0:07:17And is at best on a big or a small horse?
0:07:17 > 0:07:20To find the answers to these questions, one must experiment.
0:07:20 > 0:07:26So, Jim's made me a wooden horse to practice on.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29And I found some amateur cricketers to help out.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31One of them, Sam Knight, can even ride a horse.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33And I managed to talk him
0:07:33 > 0:07:35into being my opposing team captain for the big match.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38This is the first time I've been allowed to hold a bat
0:07:38 > 0:07:40whilst being on a horse.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Even if it's not a living, breathing horse.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45This is the most exciting moment of cricket on horseback for me so far.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49Bring it on! Aim wherever you want.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51The higher the better. That's great.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Good boy. Have a sugar lump.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Horse is getting jumpy. It really is making me think this is possible.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09I think my big reservation is that people
0:08:09 > 0:08:12are going to be very conservative in the saddle and they're not going to
0:08:12 > 0:08:13have much confidence in their movement
0:08:13 > 0:08:17in being able to hit the ball. When you're... Oh!
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Good ball. I'm a bit frightened of you. That's the trouble.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23I'd imagine a ball of any kind of size
0:08:23 > 0:08:25being lobbed at the horse's head...
0:08:25 > 0:08:26I don't know about that.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29I don't know whether the horse will just be so abstract
0:08:29 > 0:08:31they couldn't possibly think the ball would be thrown at them.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33I'm just going to now attempt
0:08:33 > 0:08:36the other style of batting that we talked about.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39With the horse facing the other way.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41This feels much harder.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43I don't like this at all.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Oh, dear me. Oh no. I don't like this.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50It has to be the other way around. That's a lesson learned.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55This is easier than using an actual horse.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57You're slightly lower down.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Slightly more stable. I think they'd be more comfortable than that.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- That is quite a rigid plank. - They're made for riding.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Yeah. Are they made for riding?
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- Horses are made for men to sit on? - Yeah. I think so.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- I didn't realise that. Made for cricket.- That's out.
0:09:10 > 0:09:11That's a great delivery.
0:09:13 > 0:09:14Say if we do complete five overs each,
0:09:14 > 0:09:16what do you think is a good score?
0:09:16 > 0:09:18Eight.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- Over five overs? - That's a good score.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23That could be tough on this wicket?
0:09:23 > 0:09:24Eight.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26I disagree because I think the runs will keep going
0:09:26 > 0:09:28whilst everyone else is scrabbling around.
0:09:28 > 0:09:29It'll be the fielding that's difficult.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34The experiment is a resounding success.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36We now know how to sit, how the horse should face
0:09:36 > 0:09:40and that a softer ball is probably a good idea.
0:09:48 > 0:09:49It was a lovely winter's day
0:09:49 > 0:09:51and having worked out my horseback cricket tactics,
0:09:51 > 0:09:55time to visit my local equestrian centre.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Equestrian centres are excellent places.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Mainly because, unlike Lord's, they've got
0:10:00 > 0:10:03the most essential element for my game of cricket on horseback.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Horses! There are horses here.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07That's exciting.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11They also have a lovely lady called Jo in charge.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13Hi. I'm Alex.
0:10:13 > 0:10:14Pleased to meet you.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17She knows lot about horses. And I was hoping she could help.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19They are big, aren't they?
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Enormous. Bigger than I remembered.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25She is a fine specimen.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27It's a she? OK. I don't know if it's a male-only sport.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Not important. Filly...
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- Do you talk to them like that? - Yes. Give her a stroke.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37Fancy a game of cricket?
0:10:39 > 0:10:41Doesn't seem that impressed by me.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44Yeah, quite scared.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56You've never staged cricket on horseback before?
0:10:56 > 0:11:01- No.- And you've got concerns but you're not entirely negative?
0:11:01 > 0:11:03The horses are not used to
0:11:03 > 0:11:05having balls thrown at them or horses galloping towards them.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08So we need some serious training with these horses.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- Yes. - Can we not sort of tether them down?
0:11:10 > 0:11:16- No, no, no.- And what about horse...
0:11:16 > 0:11:18Manure?
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Manure, thank you. Can we tell them to wait till half-time?
0:11:21 > 0:11:23No.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25You're being very calm.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27I think you're being calmer than me.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29I'm not the one that's going to ride
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- a horse for the first time and try and swing a bat round it.- I can ride.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35I've heard that many times before!
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- It's just sitting on a wide moving chair.- Right...
0:11:38 > 0:11:41This game was last played at the turn of the 18th century
0:11:41 > 0:11:43when George III was king.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Most gentlemen owned horses and knew how to ride them.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Unlike me.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51I had ridden a horse before - twice.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53But that was a long time ago.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55And I did have diarrhoea.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59Yeah, OK.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04So I needed a refresher course on a mechanical horse.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06I quickly learned this game might be tricky.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Wow. This is good.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11When playing normal cricket, you don't have to move up and down...
0:12:11 > 0:12:16- Now we're going to try and get it into a rhythm.- ..or not fall off.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20But maybe this would be more fun.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23All I could do was hold on and think of England...
0:12:23 > 0:12:25Get that ball!
0:12:25 > 0:12:28..and, some day soon, opening the batting.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Easy!
0:12:32 > 0:12:35They were so impressed with my action in the saddle,
0:12:35 > 0:12:38I went straight from unreal horse to real horse.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44I was taking the first real steps towards playing my new/old sport.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46And with four legs instead of two,
0:12:46 > 0:12:49these steps were sprightly and only slightly scary.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52Now sit tall and walk on.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55You need a bit more practice at this before we go cricketing!
0:12:55 > 0:12:57I think that's fair enough, yeah.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07If I'm honest, I find a lot of modern sports quite dull.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08Jogging especially.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Unless there's a ball involved, no fun at all.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14But, in the 18th century, they spiced up running
0:13:14 > 0:13:16with some bets and elaborate wagers
0:13:16 > 0:13:18which I think would definitely make it more interesting.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20For example, in 1788,
0:13:20 > 0:13:25a fat man called Bullock ran against a man carrying a jockey on his back.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27And a fish hawker ran seven miles
0:13:27 > 0:13:29with 56 pounds of fish on his head.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Much more exciting than our boring modern 100 metre sprint.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37I thought I'd honour this tradition by combining these races and running
0:13:37 > 0:13:40against my old friend and rival Tim Key.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42We'd see if this really did make running fun.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47Instead of 56 pounds of fish, I gave Tim 56 tins of tuna.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51And because I'm neither fat nor called Bullock,
0:13:51 > 0:13:54I would be the jockey on the back of another man.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58This is Winston. He used to play football for AFC Wimbledon reserves.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- Are we using the hurdles?- Not today. We're running past the hurdles.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04For some reason, Tim felt sorry for me
0:14:04 > 0:14:06and gave me a head start of 40 metres.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11I think he was trying to show a bit of bravado really
0:14:11 > 0:14:13by choosing such a distance.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16I think 40 metres is a lot to catch up.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Although I wasn't quite sure his mind was fully on the race.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21When you're an adult, you realise that you can have
0:14:21 > 0:14:23tuna and not in a tin.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25You can get like a tuna steak.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27That's steak, though, isn't it? That's beef.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Tuna steak.
0:14:29 > 0:14:30No. That's beef.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Stay in your lane, stay in your lane.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55You're doing very well. Come on!
0:14:55 > 0:14:58He's coming. We can do this.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Unlucky, mate.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12Just a bit too slow there. Are you all right? You're out of breath.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14I'm barely breathing.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18You can't kick the fish.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21That's not really in the spirit. Timmy?
0:15:21 > 0:15:25So, a comfortable victory there for myself.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27Slightly better athlete than old Tim there.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Seems knocked out by the endeavour.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33Still, good safe run by me. So, enjoyed that.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38This was a fine victory for me and for the sport of running.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40Surely the Olympics would be even more exciting
0:15:40 > 0:15:42if it featured races like this.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45I mean, imagine the relay with jockeys and fish carriers.
0:15:50 > 0:15:51Another way of livening up running
0:15:51 > 0:15:55is to do it with a big stick running towards a target - the quintain.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Jim had done his bit to let me try this, too.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02Look at this.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06It moves. So this is the quintain target.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09Lovely. So, here it is. This is the quintain pole.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11Look at that.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15You could do some damage with that. It's really heavy!
0:16:15 > 0:16:18For me, this is a perfect bit of sporting equipment.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20I can imagine kids saying, "What quintain have you got?"
0:16:20 > 0:16:25I'd say, "I've got the original carpenter Jim edition".
0:16:25 > 0:16:29This could be worth thousands in years to come. He's done a good job.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33My main problem is getting this in my small red car.
0:16:38 > 0:16:39Commissioning the equipment was one thing.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42The next was how to make a game of it.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48There we go!
0:16:48 > 0:16:52The day was cold and wet, but any day's perfect for quintain.
0:16:54 > 0:16:55The wood smells like sport.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58I think a sport should have a smell associated with it.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Like Deep Heat with rugby.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04I think that's about right. OK, so there we go.
0:17:04 > 0:17:10The target is up. So now I just need to put the pole back together.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14So twisty twisty twisty for about seven or eight minutes.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17I'm not sure if I'm wearing the correct gear.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Obviously this is going to be eventually an Olympic sport
0:17:20 > 0:17:22so I want to be in singlets.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Well, a singlet.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Here we are, 100 metres away from the quintain target.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31It's been a while since I've done any exercise,
0:17:31 > 0:17:34so this could be quite a test.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37We've started the watch. 100 metres.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39It's a long way away.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42It's difficult to run without using your arms.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45That's the problem so far. Must be over half way now.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47The pole's wobbling.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49I don't want to miss after all this.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Stop the clock. I didn't start the clock.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58I didn't start the clock.
0:17:58 > 0:17:59I didn't start the clock.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02And we're off.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05There we go. And that's got to be 10 metres. The target is looming.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09There we go.
0:18:10 > 0:18:11That's the first fall.
0:18:11 > 0:18:16Official time of the first quintain run is 16.62 seconds.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18That's a world record. New world record.
0:18:18 > 0:18:23Quintain players used to run at a target shaped like a man,
0:18:23 > 0:18:24often a Turkish man.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28Oh, he's missed it, he's missed it!
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Oh no. Completely missed the target.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33But you can't do that nowadays.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Instead, modern quintain needs a scoring system.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39Going for accuracy, going for accuracy!
0:18:39 > 0:18:42You've got it. Bit high.
0:18:42 > 0:18:43A bit high, but that was straight.
0:18:43 > 0:18:49Points scored on the target divided by time taken to run at it.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53A perfect scoring system for a perfect modern/old game.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55I'm feeling extremely good about quintain.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59It's a potentially great sport.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01I'm wrecked, though. I really am.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05I ran 400 metres for the first time in a decade.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09So I do need a rest now. I feel sick.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11I really do.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19The smoking matches were two more genuine games
0:19:19 > 0:19:21enjoyed at 18th century country fairs.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24The first is a trial among the candidates,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27who shall smoke a pipe full of tobacco in the shortest time.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31The winner received either a tobacco box or "some trifling prize",
0:19:31 > 0:19:34which I think is a brilliantly vague reward.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36A trifling prize.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40The second is precisely the reverse,
0:19:40 > 0:19:43for he of them who can keep the tobacco alight within his pipe
0:19:43 > 0:19:45and retain it there the longest receives a reward.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49I can see no reason for these not to catch on once more.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52I'm trying to promote cricket on horseback,
0:19:52 > 0:19:54which is definitely a new/old sport.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59It is not and never could be polo.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02But as a research mission, polo is definitely worth a look.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Because it has got horses in it.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09Particularly, because I have found arena polo, played in winter.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Polo was invented in Persia, a millennium-and-a-half ago.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16Arena polo is its modern descendant, played on all weather pitches,
0:20:16 > 0:20:19which is very handy on a rainy day like today.
0:20:19 > 0:20:25So, Arthur, Some people summarise polo as hockey on horseback.
0:20:25 > 0:20:26Is that fair, at all?
0:20:26 > 0:20:30Yes, absolutely. You're doing exactly the same thing, aren't you?
0:20:30 > 0:20:32We're trying to hit
0:20:32 > 0:20:35a stupid little round object into a goal.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40When you break it down, the basics are all rather pathetic, really!
0:20:43 > 0:20:47That's the game. But you do have the advantage of being carried around
0:20:47 > 0:20:50the field of play by a horse.
0:20:50 > 0:20:51- You think that's an advantage? - Oh, huge.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53And it's the great fun of the thing.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56It's faster. It makes all the difference in the world.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57But look fun what they're having.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59They don't seem to mind this drizzle.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01Actually, they wouldn't even notice it.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Once you're on a horse, you don't notice the drizzle.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06Except, of course, if you're coming back on a cold day
0:21:06 > 0:21:08from hunting, then you might.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12But while the adrenalin is flowing, you just don't notice it.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19As I'm watching, I'm thinking about this game of cricket on horseback
0:21:19 > 0:21:21which I'm attempting to stage.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23Well done, chaps.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27I think, it seems to me, that if you're on a horse, the one thing
0:21:27 > 0:21:30you want to be doing is moving fast in a straight line and I'm not sure
0:21:30 > 0:21:32how much of that you will achieve.
0:21:32 > 0:21:38The bowling will be a problem because you can only throw the ball so far.
0:21:38 > 0:21:39I hope I don't disappoint you
0:21:39 > 0:21:42by saying I don't think it will become a national sport overnight.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44Overnight, no.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46You could be right about that!
0:21:50 > 0:21:54It struck me, watching, how easy you made it look just being on a horse
0:21:54 > 0:21:56and then playing a sport.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00It's not that easy. If you watch the top players in the world,
0:22:00 > 0:22:03they make it look incredibly easy.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- I'm actually organising a game of cricket on horseback.- Amazing.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10I'd be quite interested to watch.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- You are not tempted to play? - I think I might stick with polo.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15I don't think I would be very good at that!
0:22:15 > 0:22:17HORSE NEIGHS
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Is that right? You would like to play cricket on horseback?
0:22:20 > 0:22:26For this game of cricket on horseback, any advice or warnings?
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Don't do it!
0:22:29 > 0:22:31One of the problems is keeping the horse still.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35Yes, as you can see, that is not always easy.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- Bye.- Sorry, he doesn't like your microphone.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43Hopefully, there won't be too many microphones around the cricket on horseback match.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48What do you think about my idea, in short, of cricket on horseback?
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- I think it's crazy.- Crazy.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53In a good way?
0:22:53 > 0:22:55But life is full of crazy people
0:22:55 > 0:22:58and they add hugely to other people's enjoyment.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03- So, go for it, but don't ask me to play!- Fair enough. Thank you, Arthur.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06I will take that as a compliment, an encouraging compliment.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15Another of my sporting re-inventions is the throwing heptathlon.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Thankfully, it is an all weather sport.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Blimey.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Back in the 1400s, Londoners used to like throwing much more than we
0:23:28 > 0:23:30do now. They would throw anything.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32They used to throw lumps of wood, bars of metal.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Why? Because they had less to do?
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Yes. They didn't have such organised sport so they used to
0:23:36 > 0:23:39create their own games and there was a law put in place to stop them
0:23:39 > 0:23:42throwing so much because they didn't practise their archery enough.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46So we are going to re-enact the joy of throwing stuff.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48It is cold and wet, isn't it?
0:23:48 > 0:23:50It is, but that is what it used to be in the 1400s.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- Of course it did. - Best of seven, good luck.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- Thanks, mate.- Let's go. Sorry about that!
0:23:54 > 0:23:59It just got me a little bit in the balls!
0:24:01 > 0:24:02The first item.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05Before cricket balls, they used turnips.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07- We are going to throw a turnip first of all.- Fine, give me a turnip.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- You first.- OK, I'll throw first.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13That is a winner.
0:24:20 > 0:24:221-0. Next item is a cricket ball.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26This is what the turnip evolved into, the cricket ball.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28Do you want to go first?
0:24:30 > 0:24:33You can throw your turnip further than the cricket ball.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39- 2-0.- What now?
0:24:39 > 0:24:40Might as well throw a cricket bat.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44I'll beat that. I'll beat that anyway.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Oh! Yes!
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- In honour of the discus, I've got a couple of flying rings.- Yeah.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57That's bounced and it's still going and it is coming back!
0:24:57 > 0:24:59It is coming back!
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Yes!
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Yes!
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- Yes!- It is 2-2, with three to play. - Yes!
0:25:12 > 0:25:16In honour of the javelin, I have got a snooker cue.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Come on, you first.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20Not great!
0:25:21 > 0:25:23It broke a bit.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25Go on!
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Oh, it's close!
0:25:29 > 0:25:31Me!
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- OK.- 3-2!
0:25:34 > 0:25:36In honour of the hammer, I've got tuna.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40I thought it was dangerous to throw a hammer so I've got tuna.
0:25:40 > 0:25:41Go on, then.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46- Oh!- You were lucky you had the roll.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- I'm not going to beat that, I don't think.- I hope not, anyway.
0:25:52 > 0:25:543-3. In honour of the shot put,
0:25:54 > 0:25:58I've got an equivalent weapon, which is some peas.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- So we're going to throw a pea each. - I think I'm going to win this.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04OK, 3-3. So it is all to play for, all to throw for.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- Quite good.- Not bad at all.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12For throwing victory...
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Where did it go?
0:26:21 > 0:26:23There it is! There it is!
0:26:23 > 0:26:26Victorious again.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31I have no doubt that this throwing heptathlon has Olympic potential.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34I especially loved it because it was another victory over Tim.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36And the weather.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Modern cricket may seem far removed from the world of horses
0:26:44 > 0:26:48but the game's ancestral roots can be found in the farmyard.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58The first ever cricketer was bored. She, yes, she, had done her milking
0:26:58 > 0:27:00and was waiting for her shepherd boyfriend to come home.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03BLEATING
0:27:03 > 0:27:05So, to pass the time, she chucked things around.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08CLANG
0:27:08 > 0:27:11To hand, there happened to be some turnips.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18This was already a game. The mother of all games - throwing.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21And when the shepherd did finally come home, the sheep
0:27:21 > 0:27:22successfully herded for another day,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25the crucial next step was taken on the journey towards cricket.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29He threw the turnip back.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Either she hit his turnip with her stool
0:27:31 > 0:27:33or she defended it like a wicket.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36It doesn't really matter because either way,
0:27:36 > 0:27:39the game of stoolball was invented.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Stoolball is not extinct, but it is quite rare.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48It is still played, mainly in by women, in places
0:27:48 > 0:27:52like Midhurst in West Sussex where I happened to grow up.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55That is a great shot, very good.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57So, here we are, Carol.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59- This is stoolball. - This is stoolball.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01And this is your team.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05- You can see cricket in it...- Yes, very much.- ..or you can see how
0:28:05 > 0:28:08the claim of cricket coming from it had some foundation.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11Because there is the wicket, the running up to bowl -
0:28:11 > 0:28:14I didn't realise there was this run-up. Oh, that is out.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18The game hasn't changed, we think, in 500 or 600 years.
0:28:18 > 0:28:211450, yes, the first writings of it.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25It seems strange that if cricket has grown from it and cricket has
0:28:25 > 0:28:28spread across the world, why this has stood still.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32You wonder whether if men played the sport,
0:28:32 > 0:28:35things might have been a bit different.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38We have always thought of it as a sport, a proper sport.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41The fact that we have leagues in this area just...
0:28:41 > 0:28:43- You have got leeks?- Leagues.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47Oh, leagues, sorry. No, there are good at leeks here, lovely leeks.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51So, that just confirms that we play the game properly
0:28:51 > 0:28:53and for sufficient reason.
0:28:53 > 0:28:58If they can bring more popularity to the sport, then that would be great.
0:28:58 > 0:29:03OK, if I'm going to get involved, where shall I start playing?
0:29:03 > 0:29:05- Girls, could Alex have a go now?- Yes.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09I feel like I'm going to make an idiot of myself,
0:29:09 > 0:29:11but I'm quite excited about that prospect.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Oh, God.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22I think this might spook the horses if you ran them like this.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24Even though it has been played for hundreds of years,
0:29:24 > 0:29:26it was only in 2008 that stoolball was
0:29:26 > 0:29:30officially recognised as a sport by Sport England,
0:29:30 > 0:29:32the UK sports governing body.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34That's me out.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36I'll have a bowl.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40Oh, dear. Oh, bit low, rubbish.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43Ooh! Sorry!
0:29:43 > 0:29:44Oh, no!
0:29:44 > 0:29:49Sorry, sorry, sorry about that. Oh, dear.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Oh dear, sorry. Sorry. Sorry.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Anyone else want to bowl?
0:29:55 > 0:29:57I think what is most encouraging
0:29:57 > 0:30:01is this is an unchanged game from 1450-ish and I
0:30:01 > 0:30:04think it gives me hope that things like the quintain can survive,
0:30:04 > 0:30:06cricket on horseback could be fun.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16I genuinely found the stoolball ladies inspiring.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18They have carried on playing an old sport
0:30:18 > 0:30:20and they have had it recognised by Sport England
0:30:20 > 0:30:23and I'm hoping I can do the same for the quintain so I'm going to
0:30:23 > 0:30:27a sport branding company because modern sports are not just sports.
0:30:27 > 0:30:28They have a brand, they have an image.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32So, hopefully, this company can help me with the quintain.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34- Hello, Stefan.- Hello.- I'm Alex.- Hi.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37And you are a creative director?
0:30:37 > 0:30:41- Yes, creative director. - So, I have got this new sport.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44It is a very old sport but I am trying to rebrand the quintain.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- Graphics wise, can I show you what I have done?- Absolutely.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51I've just tried to explain the evolution of ultimate quintain.
0:30:51 > 0:30:56Most sports start with running. I have put this man running, there.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59This is fairly basic graphics. There is running.
0:30:59 > 0:31:04You then have a sport like darts so he flings a dart at the dartboard.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06And then the pole vault. I don't know if you know the pole vault.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08- Yes.- This man will run along.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10It's not brilliant graphics.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12It took me seven or eight weeks.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15So he jumps over this. There we go.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17And then we have got ultimate quintain
0:31:17 > 0:31:20so it combines all three, the man
0:31:20 > 0:31:23with the very long pole charging along and instead of jumping
0:31:23 > 0:31:25he just hits this target.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27Can you improve on that?
0:31:27 > 0:31:30Um...
0:31:30 > 0:31:32Probably, yes!
0:31:32 > 0:31:33That was very tactful.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35You were really thinking whether you could or not.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38You probably want to start with some sort of logo and identity
0:31:38 > 0:31:40for the sport, something that is recognisable
0:31:40 > 0:31:44that people will see again and again and therefore recognise the sport.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48You probably want to compare it to similar things,
0:31:48 > 0:31:51to other sports that capture what you want to do.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54So, if is that something like free running
0:31:54 > 0:31:56where this probably grew and became quite famous is
0:31:56 > 0:31:58when it was featured in
0:31:58 > 0:32:02the first of the new James Bond films, a couple of years back.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06So, crucially, I need to get quintain in the next James Bond film
0:32:06 > 0:32:07or a film of that ilk?
0:32:07 > 0:32:10Maybe not James Bond, but maybe something more
0:32:10 > 0:32:11that fits into Harry Potter.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14Harry Potter. Like Quidditch?
0:32:14 > 0:32:15- Like Quidditch. - Are people playing Quidditch?
0:32:15 > 0:32:18No, because you have to fly. So this could be a land version?
0:32:18 > 0:32:21If you can't afford a broom then you would play that.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24I like this. I could use Harry Potter. This is a good idea.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28Say, I'm going to talk to the Sports Council to persuade them that the
0:32:28 > 0:32:31quintain should be a new sport, should be recognised as a sport.
0:32:31 > 0:32:36Would it help if I made some sort of demonstration video?
0:32:36 > 0:32:38Absolutely. Show off your new logo
0:32:38 > 0:32:43and then show the demonstration video of how the sport is played.
0:32:43 > 0:32:44And maybe a copy of the new James Bond.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46If I have got it in James Bond.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50If you got it in James Bond I would definitely show some pictures
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- of that - maybe a signed version. - Maybe just put the whole film on.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01Another old game I found was so great it had bells on it.
0:33:01 > 0:33:02It was called jingling.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09And the stoolball ladies volunteered to play it with me.
0:33:09 > 0:33:10These are blindfolds.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13Oh, no!
0:33:13 > 0:33:15The idea is that you wear them.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18I wear this and you have to chase me.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20LAUGHTER
0:33:20 > 0:33:22And whoever catches me wins.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26I've got my jingling suit on.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29In the 18th century, they used to play jingling matches
0:33:29 > 0:33:32at country fairs, but also at country wakes...
0:33:32 > 0:33:35OK, you can start chasing me on my first jingle.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38Which I find quite strange.
0:33:38 > 0:33:39OK, go.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43LAUGHTER
0:33:46 > 0:33:50Oh, a bell has gone.
0:33:50 > 0:33:51I think we are still going.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03She's really good at it. OK!
0:34:03 > 0:34:06Well played. I think you probably win.
0:34:06 > 0:34:07Thank you very much.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09Was it fun?
0:34:09 > 0:34:11- Yes!- Oh, good, good.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15Quite tiring, being the jingler.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18It requires a bit of skill and physical exertion.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21It is almost a sport, but it is just too ridiculous.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32I wanted my game of cricket on horseback to be played properly.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Lawrence...
0:34:34 > 0:34:36'So I thought I would get some expert advice
0:34:36 > 0:34:38'from cricket journalist, Lawrence Booth.'
0:34:38 > 0:34:41I'm looking forward to this game of cricket on horseback
0:34:41 > 0:34:43- that I am engineering. - Yeah, sounds interesting.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46I'm glad you say that, because I think it is interesting,
0:34:46 > 0:34:49but it is problematic, so that is why I've dragged you here.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51For my expertise on cricket on horseback?
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- Well your expertise on cricket. - Yeah.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56Is that fair enough? Are you an expert?
0:34:56 > 0:34:58It pays the bills, put it that way.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01- I've pulled enough wool over people's eyes so far.- OK.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03The way I'm picturing it, and this will probably disappoint you,
0:35:03 > 0:35:06is that the bowler will be on the horse
0:35:06 > 0:35:09- and will lob it underarm at the stump.- Right.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13So there's not an awful lot of pace, not an awful lot of spin,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16but there is still accuracy. It's an accuracy thing.
0:35:16 > 0:35:22Overarm didn't come in to cricket until the 19th century, so we'll be
0:35:22 > 0:35:24reinvigorating an old tradition if you like.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28I'm envisaging equipment here to pick up the ball up.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30Is that a problem? Wicket keepers have equipment,
0:35:30 > 0:35:32would it matter if fielders have equipment?
0:35:32 > 0:35:35You could argue that something like a net on the end of a stick
0:35:35 > 0:35:38is simply a logical extension of the wicket keeper's gloves.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41I'm going to ask you about umpires and umpiring.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44We need somebody in charge of the game who knows the game inside out.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47We just need somebody who knows the rules.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49I don't want to formally offer you the position,
0:35:49 > 0:35:53- but would you be interested? - I would certainly think about it.
0:35:53 > 0:35:54Have you umpired before, Lawrence?
0:35:54 > 0:35:57- I have, but never on horseback. - I'm glad you haven't umpired on
0:35:57 > 0:36:00horseback because we were hoping this hasn't been done for 200 years.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06I thought I would take Lawrence's sound advice
0:36:06 > 0:36:09straight to the coal face, or the horse farm any way,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12where Jo had not only found some horses for cricket on horse back,
0:36:12 > 0:36:13but also some people to ride them.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16OK, so I'm now going to coach you about cricket.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- Have any of you actually bowled a ball before?- Yes.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21Have you? Great.
0:36:23 > 0:36:24Here she comes.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Oh my word.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32Oh, it's just cleared the fielder. Not quite a four.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34Go! Go! Go! Go!
0:36:35 > 0:36:38- God!- Yes!
0:36:39 > 0:36:45- Out!- Yeah. I've been beaten by three girls on horses.
0:36:45 > 0:36:46Well it's all happening.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50'It was also a chance to develop the picking up the ball from horseback
0:36:50 > 0:36:52'technology that we needed.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54'A dog ball thrower, once extended,
0:36:54 > 0:36:57'is the horse rider's perfect ball picker-upper.'
0:36:58 > 0:37:02OK, so this time we are going to try a proper cricket match.
0:37:02 > 0:37:03That's good.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07Oh brilliant. Straight to the fielder.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10- Oh no.- Smudge!
0:37:11 > 0:37:14They have run one, are they going to go for a second?
0:37:14 > 0:37:17Good fielding. Look at that. Good!
0:37:17 > 0:37:19Go! Go! Go!
0:37:21 > 0:37:25Yeah, that's it. That's a wicket. That was cricket,
0:37:25 > 0:37:27that was actual cricket, that was good.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Being British, I hide my emotions well,
0:37:30 > 0:37:34but I was absolutely overjoyed by the progress made.
0:37:34 > 0:37:40I feel ecstatic, because it could haven't gone any better.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44The horses didn't mind having balls thrown at them and
0:37:44 > 0:37:46people swinging bats at them. It was how I dreamt it.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50There is no denying it, it was cricket. On horseback.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56My new old sport quintain was ready for testing.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59There was only one person qualified to play it with me -
0:37:59 > 0:38:00my brother Chip.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09On sports day, he'd win everything he entered. He knows his sport.
0:38:09 > 0:38:14If I could beat him, I could beat anyone.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17So what we're doing, Chip,
0:38:17 > 0:38:21we are going to do the 50 metre quintain and then the 20 and
0:38:21 > 0:38:25then the 10, which is a real short, sharp jab.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28The scoring, you're going to be hitting this thing here,
0:38:28 > 0:38:29- this is the target.- OK.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31- You may have seen targets before. - Yeah.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33If you strike that, you then divide
0:38:33 > 0:38:36your score by the time taken to travel that distance.
0:38:36 > 0:38:37METALLIC SCREECHING
0:38:37 > 0:38:41That is quite a noise. That is called the singing of the quintain.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43- Is it?- It's traditional to start with the singing.
0:38:43 > 0:38:44That's about right.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51- OK.- I will just muddy the quintain end, remove the grass.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55- It is a bit like snooker, isn't it? - It is just like snooker, yes.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57So that will make a mark on the target.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59Professional sports need professional judges.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02our judge even had his own whistle.
0:39:02 > 0:39:03WHISTLE BLOWS
0:39:03 > 0:39:04Are these cycling gloves?
0:39:04 > 0:39:06- No, they're quintain gloves. - Oh, yeah.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12- Go on.- Aargh!
0:39:14 > 0:39:15Aargh! Oh that's accurate.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17That's accurate.
0:39:17 > 0:39:18Not that accurate.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22Agh! Agh!
0:39:22 > 0:39:24LAUGHS
0:39:24 > 0:39:25Agh!
0:39:28 > 0:39:30I'm 1-0 down.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32Very good score. A lot to do for me now.
0:39:32 > 0:39:37'Jim's quintain pole got a bit bent, but that couldn't stop us.'
0:39:37 > 0:39:38Rubbish, rubbish!
0:39:39 > 0:39:42- Not bad.- Oh dear. That was really good.
0:39:42 > 0:39:49- 18.- So that's victory to Chip in this event and the 50.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52- Do you want to double or quits?- No.
0:39:54 > 0:39:55Pretty good.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57That was very good. Very good.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01Agh!
0:40:02 > 0:40:05It's harder than it looks, this.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Bad luck, Chip. That's the worst go ever at quintain.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10Congratulations Chip,
0:40:10 > 0:40:15you the new world champion, the new quintain world champion.
0:40:15 > 0:40:21'So it's yet another trophy for Chip. This time, a peacock.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23'But at least we proved that this was a most excellent sport.'
0:40:23 > 0:40:25What I really wanted
0:40:25 > 0:40:28was other people to start playing the game again.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32So my next step would be to get it recognised by the country's
0:40:32 > 0:40:33sporting authority, Sport England.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36I'd managed to get an appointment with their director, Lisa O'Keefe.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39She's a former rugby international.
0:40:39 > 0:40:40I was a bit scared.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47I'm attempting to pioneer a new sport,
0:40:47 > 0:40:49which is actually a very old sport,
0:40:49 > 0:40:52but I'm trying to develop it and I'm keen that more people play it.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55The name of the sport is the quintain, with a Q.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59- I've got a logo, so you can see it written down.- Right.
0:40:59 > 0:41:04It's quintain. There we go. Not many sports begin with Q.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07- That's true.- Shall I show you this promotional video?
0:41:07 > 0:41:08Yeah, I'd really like to see it.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13Sport has a hole in its soul.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17What we need is another sport with a pole. Quintain.
0:41:17 > 0:41:24Man, pole, target, target, pole, man, quintain!
0:41:35 > 0:41:37- (ECHOING)- Quintain!
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- Wow.- Very good.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44- Mmm.- Looks very dynamic.
0:41:44 > 0:41:49- That could be a slogan for quintain - very dynamic.- Absolutely, yeah.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51I think people like seeing men charge around
0:41:51 > 0:41:55- with an enormous stick.- Is there quite a thriving community
0:41:55 > 0:41:57of people playing the sport at the moment?
0:41:57 > 0:42:00No. This is where I think at the moment it's failing.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03But at the moment the people who play it
0:42:03 > 0:42:06- are mainly limited to members of my immediate family.- Yeah.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08That's my brother and myself.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10You've got quite a high ranking then?
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- I'm second in the world. - That's impressive.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15My younger brother beat me.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18Do you believe there is still room for new sports, despite the
0:42:18 > 0:42:21globalisation of football and the formalisation of rules?
0:42:21 > 0:42:25There's always room for new sports. Whether or not this sport could
0:42:25 > 0:42:29compete with the big sports on the global stage, I doubt it,
0:42:29 > 0:42:30but never say never.
0:42:30 > 0:42:35What you're more likely to do here is appeal to a niche.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38For the quintain to move from being an extinct sport
0:42:38 > 0:42:41to being a current modern sport, what would I have to do next?
0:42:41 > 0:42:45First of all we do want to make sure that there's competition in here
0:42:45 > 0:42:47and we also want to make sure that
0:42:47 > 0:42:49you have looked at the risks,
0:42:49 > 0:42:51you have considered the sustainability of this,
0:42:51 > 0:42:54that you have an activity here that people want to take part in.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56It's not too risky. There is some risk,
0:42:56 > 0:42:59just walking around with an enormous stick.
0:42:59 > 0:43:04But I've done some pretty serious health and safety checks on it.
0:43:04 > 0:43:05I fell over once and I was fine.
0:43:06 > 0:43:12We wouldn't recognise an activity as a sport, I'm afraid,
0:43:12 > 0:43:14if it's just you and your brother. You've really got to get more
0:43:14 > 0:43:17- people behind this. - Yeah, it makes sense.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19I think I might miss the 2012 Olympics,
0:43:19 > 0:43:22but 2020 potentially - that is my target.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26- Absolutely. I can't disagree with that aspiration.- Yeah.
0:43:31 > 0:43:35Marvellous. So we have a basis now, we have people at Sport England
0:43:35 > 0:43:37who are going to encourage me.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40I just need to encourage other people to play it
0:43:40 > 0:43:42and also get into this lift with the pole.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47OK. Right, we are going down.
0:43:47 > 0:43:48We're also going up.
0:43:57 > 0:44:00The weather is the one thing that affects cricket
0:44:00 > 0:44:02more than anything else.
0:44:02 > 0:44:06And this was the worst winter for 30 years.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09And we wanted to play cricket. Not ideal.
0:44:09 > 0:44:11So the day before we were due to play,
0:44:11 > 0:44:13Jo and I had to inspect the pitch.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19How's the pitch feeling, from your horse perspective?
0:44:19 > 0:44:23Well with the ground as it is at the moment, I can't see it happening.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26How many horses are you thinking this could withstand?
0:44:26 > 0:44:31At the moment it would withstand a couple of horses walking across it.
0:44:31 > 0:44:35- Oh right. That's not really a cricket match, is it?- No.
0:44:35 > 0:44:37That is more two horses having a walk. Less of a spectator sport.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41Yes. When we're doing the runs and the tight turns,
0:44:41 > 0:44:43- they are just going to slip. - We don't want that.
0:44:43 > 0:44:46Injuring horse and rider, which is not going to work.
0:44:46 > 0:44:47But we do have a plan B.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59Plan B - the farm's outdoor school, with its all-weather rubber surface.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03My opposing team captain, Sam Knight, joined me to
0:45:03 > 0:45:04inspect our new wicket.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10It's very exciting this pitch. It's quite good.
0:45:10 > 0:45:13I think almost more exciting, because the other one looked
0:45:13 > 0:45:16good, but it was just a field, whereas this feels like an arena.
0:45:16 > 0:45:18The crowd, you can imagine,
0:45:18 > 0:45:21- we can sit about ten deep up there, up the hill.- Yeah.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24- That can be Horne Hill.- They can go up to the top of the hill.
0:45:24 > 0:45:27The funny thing is we just have no idea what a good score is,
0:45:27 > 0:45:29or how easy it is to get them out,
0:45:29 > 0:45:32how easy it is to bowl, hit the stumps.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35So people could get centuries on this.
0:45:35 > 0:45:37I don't think anyone's going to get a century.
0:45:37 > 0:45:39I think people are going to get a six.
0:45:39 > 0:45:43I reckon there's going to be a six. What I want to see is a catch.
0:45:45 > 0:45:47So it's all sorted, are you happy?
0:45:47 > 0:45:51- Ready to go.- Good luck. - OK. Good luck.
0:45:51 > 0:45:54- May the best rider or cricketer... - Or horse.- ..Win.
0:46:01 > 0:46:05As well as farms and fairs, there were indoor spaces in olden times
0:46:05 > 0:46:08too, so it's only natural they had indoor sports.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10It is the closest pub to my house.
0:46:10 > 0:46:14'So the night before the big match, my brother Chip, Jim
0:46:14 > 0:46:17'the carpenter, and I, thought we'd play a 16th century indoor game.'
0:46:17 > 0:46:20There's the rules. The half bowl.
0:46:20 > 0:46:22The half bowl was the same as skittles,
0:46:22 > 0:46:25except the bowl thrown had been cut in half,
0:46:25 > 0:46:30so it rolled with an exaggerated curl around a barrier.
0:46:30 > 0:46:34But when I cut a bowl in half, it wouldn't roll properly.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37So I had to improvise and, as homage to stoolball,
0:46:37 > 0:46:41the answer was obvious. Vegetables.
0:46:41 > 0:46:43'I am a man of simple pleasures.'
0:46:43 > 0:46:46- I've never seen such a small turnip. - I've never seen such a small turnip.
0:46:46 > 0:46:50'Also if you play it enough, it counts as one of your five a day.
0:46:50 > 0:46:51'Probably.'
0:46:51 > 0:46:55I love having the bones of an old game
0:46:55 > 0:46:59and then can I do what I want with the flesh of it.
0:46:59 > 0:47:01It's like I have dug up the bones of a game
0:47:01 > 0:47:03and I can just redesign my Frankenstein.
0:47:03 > 0:47:07So I think I'm ready for my first challenger. Good luck.
0:47:07 > 0:47:10- Good luck. We won't have a manly hug, just a hand shake.- Yeah.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12I will try the cabbage.
0:47:14 > 0:47:17Oh, it's one! Oh, it's five!
0:47:18 > 0:47:19Exciting.
0:47:19 > 0:47:23Chip couldn't contain himself, even though he's my opposition.
0:47:26 > 0:47:30Yes! My cabbage is incredible.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35- Oh no.- That's lovely.- Oh.
0:47:35 > 0:47:37Very unlucky there.
0:47:37 > 0:47:38I'm so rubbish at it.
0:47:38 > 0:47:42I'm genuinely rubbish at half bowl.
0:47:45 > 0:47:50Next go, I guarantee I'll get four or more. If I don't
0:47:50 > 0:47:51I will bite this swede.
0:47:51 > 0:47:54That is the one-knee technique. Oh!
0:48:03 > 0:48:06Oh! Oh dear me!
0:48:06 > 0:48:11Taking a bite out of that swede was the best thing I've ever done.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13- From nothing I actually won at half bowl.- Congratulations.
0:48:13 > 0:48:16You know what though? I think I was the best at it.
0:48:16 > 0:48:20Honestly, I think by the end I was really good at it.
0:48:20 > 0:48:23So I think I deserved to win. Thank you very much.
0:48:23 > 0:48:25- Congratulations.- Thank you. Thank you.
0:48:31 > 0:48:34I couldn't believe the day had finally come.
0:48:34 > 0:48:38It wasn't even snowing, so it was time for captains to take the pitch,
0:48:38 > 0:48:40with umpires Lawrence and Chip.
0:48:40 > 0:48:42So we'll just find the middle.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45One, two, three...
0:48:45 > 0:48:47'With our special horse back wickets,
0:48:47 > 0:48:49'the ball has to hit the top yellow half to count.
0:48:52 > 0:48:55'With shredded tyres underfoot and flour for the crease,
0:48:55 > 0:48:58'it's not Lords, it's not a village green,
0:48:58 > 0:49:02'but it is my very own cricket on horseback pitch.
0:49:07 > 0:49:10'And what a pitch needs is players.
0:49:10 > 0:49:13'Jo had assembled two crack teams
0:49:13 > 0:49:15'who could both ride and swing a bat.'
0:49:15 > 0:49:19So we're on a horse. I have no idea how to make it move.
0:49:19 > 0:49:25'But today we weren't just riders or cricketers. We were test pilots.'
0:49:31 > 0:49:34OK, let's just be very calm and confident, listen to the horses,
0:49:34 > 0:49:38listen to ourselves and play a good game of cricket on horseback.
0:49:38 > 0:49:43- All we all set?- Yes.- Everyone ready, let's bring on the batsmen.
0:49:43 > 0:49:44Let's bowl.
0:49:46 > 0:49:51The teams were ready. And for the first time in 215 years, 9 months
0:49:51 > 0:49:57and 15 days, a game of cricket on horse back was about to begin.
0:49:58 > 0:50:04- It's exciting.- Are there going to be any streakers do you think?
0:50:04 > 0:50:07Hello my dear old things and welcome to Shardeloes Farm
0:50:07 > 0:50:11for this really quite remarkable game of cricket.
0:50:11 > 0:50:13One over, six balls to come. Let's play.
0:50:13 > 0:50:18What a wonderful opportunity to see horse and man in perfect unison.
0:50:18 > 0:50:21Good bowling, Rachel. Good start.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23A gentle start.
0:50:25 > 0:50:27Better call the wicket keeper back.
0:50:29 > 0:50:31What a catch. Oh my word!
0:50:35 > 0:50:39Caught and bowled by Rachel Brown and her Irish mare.
0:50:39 > 0:50:40What a couple of players.
0:50:43 > 0:50:45- Very good.- One for none.
0:50:45 > 0:50:48Not the best start for Sam Knight's team,
0:50:48 > 0:50:50but let's see what they can do next.
0:50:51 > 0:50:55Sam Knight, team captain, riding Zak, who I must say is
0:50:55 > 0:50:57looking a little nervous, isn't he?
0:51:01 > 0:51:04OK then, team. Keep the pressure on.
0:51:05 > 0:51:10Kirsty on Alfie. A good hit, the ball right back below the bowler.
0:51:10 > 0:51:14She's off like a shot. Oh and she's off for another one too.
0:51:14 > 0:51:18Sam will have to be quick. He's at the wrong end. Oh my goodness.
0:51:18 > 0:51:21If Brown can get that ball, he's in real trouble.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23Oh and she's got him. Chance of a run out here.
0:51:23 > 0:51:28Oh my word. That's out. Quite a disastrous run out.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31The captain out before he faces even a ball.
0:51:31 > 0:51:34So real character testing innings.
0:51:34 > 0:51:36Interesting to see where they go from here.
0:51:39 > 0:51:41Oh back of the bat. That's a great shot.
0:51:48 > 0:51:49Good shot.
0:51:52 > 0:51:53Well played.
0:52:00 > 0:52:04An unusual move there by Smoky B. Chance of another run out here.
0:52:04 > 0:52:06Rachel surely not going to
0:52:06 > 0:52:09miss this one and she's gone.
0:52:09 > 0:52:10Well done.
0:52:14 > 0:52:16Good stuff. Lovely.
0:52:16 > 0:52:19Everyone stopped shitting? Shall we bowl?
0:52:21 > 0:52:22Oh good shot.
0:52:25 > 0:52:26That's cricket.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31And here we have the true beauty of this game.
0:52:31 > 0:52:34The horse unconcerned by rules and etiquette,
0:52:34 > 0:52:36just running free all over the wicket.
0:52:36 > 0:52:38Don't often get this in cricket,
0:52:38 > 0:52:40the batsman just having a charge around between balls.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42It is unusual.
0:52:42 > 0:52:45Flintoff's just going for a quick charge up and down the wicket.
0:52:47 > 0:52:51So we've had pretty much everything today. All the elements of a fine
0:52:51 > 0:52:53game of cricket - bowling, batting,
0:52:53 > 0:52:55a run out or two.
0:52:56 > 0:53:00They're going for two! The first two of the match.
0:53:00 > 0:53:04Now it looks like we have one of those elements of English cricket
0:53:04 > 0:53:08that I'm afraid is not quite so welcome,
0:53:08 > 0:53:12it is not just cricket is it really, or not quite cricket I should say.
0:53:12 > 0:53:14I think we'll call a halt for the time being.
0:53:14 > 0:53:15I think rain stopped play.
0:53:15 > 0:53:17So that's us. Lunch.
0:53:17 > 0:53:22Rain stopped play after six overs and 18 runs have come.
0:53:22 > 0:53:25Fingers crossed that we'll get some sun so we continue this fascinating
0:53:25 > 0:53:27contest after the luncheon interval.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35It is quite stop-start,
0:53:35 > 0:53:38but there are definitely some flashes of stroke play.
0:53:38 > 0:53:39Some very good bowling.
0:53:39 > 0:53:44It is quite satisfying, definitely when you get two runs in.
0:53:46 > 0:53:48Overall the horses are up for it.
0:53:48 > 0:53:50It's going to be a tight second innings.
0:53:53 > 0:53:55Happily the rain has left us now,
0:53:55 > 0:53:58but thanks to the influence of the English weather, the umpires have
0:53:58 > 0:54:01decided that this is now a limited overs match and so it is
0:54:01 > 0:54:05Horne's team to bat next.
0:54:06 > 0:54:11Knight's time over, six to come. Play.
0:54:11 > 0:54:15They need 19 to win and they have six overs in which to do it.
0:54:16 > 0:54:20And it's captain Horne himself to face the first ball.
0:54:20 > 0:54:22Oh, yes, let's go.
0:54:22 > 0:54:24And that's a corker.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27- Now that's incredible.- Slogger Horne shows he means business.
0:54:27 > 0:54:28Just the one.
0:54:31 > 0:54:35Here we go. Ooh I say that's over the top. All the way.
0:54:35 > 0:54:38Hit it like a kicking horse. Six runs. Splendid.
0:54:38 > 0:54:44Slaughtered it for six runs, right over deep square leg.
0:54:44 > 0:54:47If he carries on like this, they will win within the over.
0:54:47 > 0:54:49Still waiting for the umpire to get the ball. It went over there.
0:54:49 > 0:54:50Very good.
0:54:50 > 0:54:55Horne's team brimming with confidence.
0:54:55 > 0:54:57- Oh yeah. Run. Good shot.- Excellent shot.
0:54:59 > 0:55:05- Oh no. Oh he's missed it. A misfield. - Go, go, go.
0:55:05 > 0:55:07Here we go.
0:55:14 > 0:55:16Oh there could be trouble here.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19I'd say a very strong case for horse before wicket.
0:55:19 > 0:55:22- That's out?- That's out.
0:55:22 > 0:55:24It's been given.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27The captain's gone. Quite right. Good decision.
0:55:27 > 0:55:28You got him out?
0:55:28 > 0:55:31Nothing wrong with the horse, he's loving it, isn't he?
0:55:31 > 0:55:36He is saying, "Silly old fool, you should have "hit that one!"
0:55:36 > 0:55:37Utterly distraught.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39They do only need two runs to win.
0:55:39 > 0:55:41So we need to be quite tight. I should do some better bowling.
0:55:41 > 0:55:44Let's smack this over the fence.
0:55:44 > 0:55:46Now, two to win, here we are.
0:55:46 > 0:55:49I say it is a big hit. This could be a catch?
0:55:49 > 0:55:52Oh it's dropped. Oh dear they are going to get another run.
0:55:52 > 0:55:54But they're slow off the mark.
0:55:54 > 0:55:57- A good piece of fielding. It could be a run out. Yes it is!
0:55:57 > 0:56:02- Yes!- Oh that was a close one.
0:56:02 > 0:56:03The front hoof was in the air.
0:56:03 > 0:56:07- It was not in the air. - It is a good innings, Philip.
0:56:07 > 0:56:11- Just ignore that. - That was never out.
0:56:11 > 0:56:14Four balls, you've just got to hit the ball. You can do this.
0:56:15 > 0:56:17How's that?
0:56:17 > 0:56:21That's got to be close. Hit the wicket, but was it too low?
0:56:21 > 0:56:24- What was your view?- I think it was...
0:56:24 > 0:56:29- Umpire Booth checking with umpire Chip.- That's out.
0:56:29 > 0:56:31He's given it. She's gone.
0:56:31 > 0:56:33We've now got one batsman left.
0:56:33 > 0:56:35Three balls to get one run.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47Keep your eye on the ball, Rachel. You can do this.
0:56:47 > 0:56:48Come on, Zak, come on.
0:56:50 > 0:56:54She's missed it. Hits the wicket and it's too low. She's safe.
0:56:54 > 0:56:57Two balls left. Unlucky, Rachel.
0:56:58 > 0:57:03Two balls to go. You really could cut this atmosphere with a spoon.
0:57:07 > 0:57:10Knight bowls the penultimate ball.
0:57:23 > 0:57:25Yes!
0:57:27 > 0:57:28No!
0:57:28 > 0:57:30Beautifully taken there, Knight.
0:57:30 > 0:57:32Can't contain his excitement.
0:57:34 > 0:57:35He was run out himself without facing a ball,
0:57:35 > 0:57:38but he's taken the deciding catch
0:57:38 > 0:57:43that leaves this remarkable game ending in a tie.
0:57:45 > 0:57:46The game's a tie.
0:57:47 > 0:57:52Now what a turn up for the books, a tie. What an
0:57:52 > 0:57:58extraordinary match. I'd say there's not been such a splendid spectacle
0:57:58 > 0:58:01for well, at least 215 years.
0:58:01 > 0:58:04A thrilling day's play and probably the right result
0:58:04 > 0:58:08and thank you all so very much for watching it all happen.
0:58:08 > 0:58:12So there we go, that's the end of the day.
0:58:12 > 0:58:14Probably the best sporting day of my life.
0:58:14 > 0:58:17We've played cricket on horseback, which a few months ago was
0:58:17 > 0:58:21just a foot note in a history book and now is an actual sporting event.
0:58:21 > 0:58:24It's a much bigger footnote
0:58:24 > 0:58:26in the sporting history of the country.
0:58:26 > 0:58:29I'm incredibly excited.
0:58:29 > 0:58:32I don't think I will sleep tonight or ever again.
0:58:39 > 0:58:42Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:58:42 > 0:58:46E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk