Last year, brave Ross Barnett videoed the opening moments of Ashbourne’s Shrovetide Football game by diving into the centre of the ‘hug’.
University of Derby student Ross attached a Go-Pro to his head to record the early stages of the game.
Ross, aged 19, from Market Harborough, said: “I was scared and excited at the same time. I managed to touch the ball briefly.
“It was terrifying to begin with, it felt like a massive rugby scrum. My adrenalin was pumping, I was stuck at the bottom of a 50-man pile-on, struggling to breath.
“I heard a man screaming out in pain, his leg was trapped on a kerb. But, everyone was respectful and when someone said ‘back-off’ everyone moved away.
“With all the pressure of the people against me, I thought I was going to break my leg, but I didn’t and I survived!”
Meanwhile, hundreds of people braved the freezing weather to watch the annual game which was started by Willie Tucker.
Rita Spencer, aged 42, from Ashbourne, said: “I’m an Up’ard, but honestly, I’m either way, I’ve enjoyed watching this as I’ve grown up. I love watching it and it’s a nice tradition. Let’s hope it does keep going on forever and ever.”
Carol Allsobowk, aged 50, an ‘Up’ard’ from Ashbourne, said: “It’s a brilliant tradition, I have grown up with it and I hope it continues for many years to come.”
