speilean

sm Uist game corresponding to the game of “cat and bat.” The necessaries for the game are the Speil or Cat, the Driver or Bat and the ball of worsted or hair. Two sides of equal numbers are picked, one side taking the first of the batting and the other of the fielding, as they win or lose the toss. A hole is made in the ground with the heel and one end of the Speil (a small piece of wood) is put into it. The ball rests in the hole on the inner end of the speil. The first batter strikes the end which protrudes with the Driver, thus sending the ball into the air. While the ball is in the air, he smites it with all his power, the object being to drive it as far as possible from the hole. If any of the opposing side catch it before it touches the ground the striker is out, but if no catch is made the first fielder to reach the ball gives a bowl (faireag) to the batsman. The latter again drives the ball as far as possible and if a catch be made he is out. If, however. no catch be made, the first player of the opposing side to reach the ball, throws the ball into or as near as be can, the hole. This is called “piceadh.” If it goes into the hole the player is out. If not, he measures the length of the ball from the hole by means of the bat. If it is not one bat's length he is out, if it is one or more, he plays on until he is out, when another member of his side comes in his place. This continues till one side counts 100 or is all out, when the opposite side comes in. If neither side reaches the set number of points, whichever scores the highest is said to be the winner. This game is fairly popular still and is one of the healthiest and best of Uist games — Celtic Review, Vol. IV, p. 362.

Seall an duilleag thùsail / View Original Page