On December 25th 1924 the Christmas Day Boys’ Ba’ took place at 10am with the traditional throw up at the Mercat Cross.
‘The underfoot conditions were dry, and the players were fanned by a freshening breeze.
‘The struggle for supremacy in the Boys’ Ba’ lasted an hour and a-half. Play lasted for quite a time in Broad Street, when the Up-the-Gates made a drive causing the opposition to give way, but the Ba’, instead of taking the regular route, was diverted down Tankerness Lane into Junction Road. A good game gave the Uppies the victory, and the Ba’ was awarded to J. Simpson, Pointer’s Close, Victoria Street.
Men’s Ba’
‘Large crowds assembled in Broad Street at 1 o’clock pm to witness the commencement of the Men’s Ba’. In the opening minutes the leather was carried to the wall at the Market Green and there it remained for some time. Later the Doonies diverted play to the North of Scotland Bank Buildings, and here again the struggle was resumed with even more intense vigour. The evenness of the contest may be judged by the fact that the Ba’ remained in Broad Street for about an hour and a-half. The Up-the-Gates never got beyond the Town Hall and the Doonies had their work cut out for them before they managed to carry the Ba’ to the Strynd.
‘Once in Albert Street the pressure relaxed a little, and by 3 o’clock the Ba’ was carried over the “goal line” at the harbour. J. Harcus, a Down-the-Gate, but now residing in Main Street, was awarded the leather. ‘
As reported in The Orkney Herald, 31st December 1924.
