THE annual Wellington Prep School Conker Championships smashed into action when a hoard of excited school children rose to the challenge and pitted their strength and skill against each other.

Eighty children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 competed for the Conker Bear Trophy which was carried off by a triumphant Oscar Milton from Year 6. All children brought their own conkers and the competition was fierce.

Adam Gibson, headmaster of Wellington Prep School, said: “Sadly, the game of Conkers has declined in school playgrounds over the last 20 years, mainly due to rumoured ‘health and safety’ issues. Such information is nonsense and we are determined to redress the balance and encourage our children to engage in competitive playground activity and traditional outdoor entertainment.”

The rules of the challenge are clearly laid out and adapted from the International Rules and Regulations (www.worldconkerchampionships.com). They include such details as the maximum allowed length of string, and time allowed in each round, and the dreaded ‘sudden death’. In the name of fair play, competitors are discouraged from soaking the conkers in vinegar or the old ‘slowbake’ trick!

Adam added: “The children rose to the challenge and enjoyed the competition immensely. We encourage them to take risks and the game of conkers is a great opportunity for this. We look forward to seeing Oscar defending his title next year.”

A tense ‘clash of the Titans’ took place as new senior school headmaster Eugene du Toit battled for supremacy against Prep School headmaster Adam – after a tense and skilled match, Adam smashed Eugene’s conker and was crowned champion.