Meatball Monday

Fun is fun, but this takes the cake – er foot!

One might think its something out of an old Alfred Hitchcock movie, but this is actually a sport that was invented by four (4) drinkers.

It dates back to 1974 in Ye Olde Royal Oak Inn in Wetton, Staffordshire who were grumbling about the fact that the UK failed to produce any world champions.

Every Country wants a “champ” and the UK is no different, but you have to give it to them – this one takes the cake.

For individuals to try different sports is fine and the history came from four “lads” Pete Cheetham, Eddie Stansfield, Pete Dean and Mick Dawson not only came up with the sport, they even had a small trophy made and engraved it for the winner.

Mick became the first World Champion, retaining the title the next year in 1975, but in 1976, a Canadian visitor competed and won.
The point of the sport being gone, the event was discontinued for a long period.

Now the sport is gaining popularity, and although the Olympic committee refused to acknowledge it, the World Toe Wrestling Championship is held annually at the Bentley Brook Inn in Fenny Bentley near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, England.

Top players include Tom “100m” Martin, Paul “Toeminator” Beech and Alan “Nasty” Nash who is the current World Champion.
Rules
Toe wrestling is almost the same as arm wrestling, but in order to compete the players must take off their shoes and socks – bare feet ONLY.

Of course being “British” it’s only courteous for each player to remove the other player’s shoes and socks.

• Players must link toes and each player’s foot must touch flat on the other person’s foot
• 3 second rule – The opponents attempt to pin (capture or trap) the other’s foot for three seconds while avoiding the same
• 3 rounds – There are 3 rounds played on a best 2 out of 3 basis
• First with the right foot, then left, and right again if necessary
• If a tie-breaking third round is needed, they then switch back to the right foot