Marbles Championshiop.: A player gets into position to flick a tolley, watched eagerly by members of a rival team and other spectators. The 'Toliey Men" Of Tinsley Green.: Once again the marble champion share practicing hard for the annual National Championship to be played on Good Friday at Tinsley Green on the Surrey-Sussex border. Marbles is one of the world's oldest sports. It was played by the Roman Emperor Augustus. The Tinsley's Green match dates back to the days of the Spanish Armada Threat when two local youths completed for the hand of the village beauty on Good friday. Teams of six a side compete on a six -foot circular rink dusted liberally over with rough sand. Fortynine clay 'marbles are placed on the centre of the ring and one of at a time the players shoot at them with glass "tolleys". The Champions are held under the rules of the British Marbles Control Board whose H.Q. are at Tinsley Green. Last year's winner were the "C~pthorne Spitfires" team led by 80-year-old "Pop" Maynard who has three of his sons in the team. They are hoping to repeat their victory in Coronation Year. Marbles enthusiasts come fom all parts of the country to watch the "Tolley" men of Tinsley compete for the coveted championship.
Photo measures 8 x 10.25 inches.
Photo is dated --none.
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