POCKLINGTON RUFC need a rugby ball - the older, fatter and tattier the better.

Pocklington are currently celebrating their 125th anniversary, and on Sunday December 5 they will stage a re-enactment of their first game of rugby in 1879 - when ten players from 'Pocklington Town and District' met a 'Pocklington School XV'.

The special game will be played under 1879 laws (when there were no lineouts and a try was worth only one point, while there was also no referee as opposing captains had to agree decisions between themselves), and the players will be in traditional Victorian kit of breeches and work boots.

But there is currently one thing missing - a leather rugby ball.

Pocklington press secretary and club historian Phil Gilbank explained: "We have been able to replicate most aspects of rugby in the last century, but it would be a shame if we had to play with a modern, synthetic ball, and so we are appealing to anyone who might have an old rugby ball in a cupboard or their garage to lend it to us for the afternoon.

"It wouldn't need to be that ancient - rugby was played predominately with leather balls until at least the 1970s - but obviously, the older, fatter and blacker it is, the more authentic it will look."

Anyone who might be able to lend the club an old ball can get in touch with Phil at the rugby club, on telephone 01759 305888 or via e-mail at phil.gilbank@humber.nhs.uk

Updated: 10:00 Tuesday, November 23, 2004