FootBowl 2026

Well that was a fun day! Our first ever Footbowl World Cup .... with pushers for goalposts and footballs for penalty obstacles.
After the official draw conducted by representatives from FIFA (Females in Football Attire) AKA Karen & Sue W, each of 8 countries was represented by 2 players who played 9 ends, followed by a lengthy rehydration break, and then another 9 ends. The match officials (moonlighting from their FIFA role) were deemed to be rather over-enthusiastic and overly loud in their whistle-blowing, but with frequent calls for VAR (our Very Adorable Referee, Karen) a firm stance had to be taken!
After taking a clear lead at half-time, Belgium 🇧🇪 (Mick & Anne T) came unstuck in the 2nd half after FIFA decided to move the goalposts (literally) and the team couldn't quite match its first-half form. However, Spain 🇪🇸 (Barry & Peter W), already in a strong position at half-time, were fortified by their rehydration break, and overcame their Portuguese 🇵🇹 opponents (Ted & Peter S), and, by the end of the match, were clear winners.
Congratulations go to Spain’s 🇪🇸 Barry and his star striker Peter W who, as the newest member of HBC, had to be strongly persuaded (who said bullied???) to take part. After the match they were both presented with commemorative mugs and chocolate footballs by HBC's FIFA.
Thanks also go to the other players who joined in the fun: Switzerland 🇨🇭 - Bobbie & Chris H'well, Norway 🇳🇴 - Jackie & Phil, Sweden 🇸🇪 - Ray L & Alison, France 🇫🇷 - Ray R & Gillian, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 - Georgina & Beryl. The irony of the England captain playing in a Mexico 🇲🇽 shirt was not missed - and (SPOILER ALERT!!) the team fared less well than the national ⚽️ team in the early hours of Monday morning!