There were scrums and bloodied noses, but no rugby ball in sight.

Jedburgh’s annual Fastern Eve Handba game instead features a small black ball stuffed with straw and decorated with ribbons.

The tradition dating back to the 1700s sees two teams, the Uppies and the Doonies, compete to get the ball into their respective goals.

Hand Ba game – JedburghThe ball is thrown into the crowd to begin the game (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Hand Ba game – JedburghMaking a break for it (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Hand Ba game – JedburghBoys tussle for the ball (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Hand Ba game – JedburghAn older competitor takes one for the team (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Hand Ba game – JedburghAn elderly shopper watches the action on the High Street (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Hand Ba game – JedburghThe local butcher is taking no chances, having boarded up his shop window (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Jedburgh Handba eventThe game is traditionally played on the Thursday after Shrove Tuesday or the following week (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Hand Ba game – JedburghThe small leather ball is decorated with blue and red ribbons (Andrew Milligan/PA)