The epic slugfest of the Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide match was duplicated in the auction room on Tuesday <feb 17> when a Down’ard fought off dedicated opposition to secure a football used in the legendary game 53 years ago.
Down’ard Tim Lane, battled it out at Hansons Auctioneers’ Etwall saleroom – 20 miles south of the actual match – paying £6,000 for the ball on the first day of the game which resulted in a 3-0 win for the Up’ards.
The 66-year-old businessman, who was born in Ashbourne, was determined to see the football, which had been expected to make £3,000-£5,000, stay in the county.
With saleroom fees, the grandfather of six will have to pay close to £8,000 for the iconic ball, but after the sale admitted he would have paid “any price” to secure it.
He said: “I didn’t know who I was bidding against so my fear was one of the other bidders could have come from anywhere – even abroad. I was prepared to have paid anything to keep the football in the county.
“We have to preserve the traditions of not just Ashbourne and Derbyshire but also England. I couldn’t see the ball leave the UK.”
The yellow and gilt-painted 1973 ball, with the words Thrown by Charles Harpur-Crewe Esq, wasn’t goaled –making it all the more special to its new owner.
He said: “I’ve never taken part in the contest, but I know the blood, sweat and tears it takes. It wouldn’t have felt right for me to own a football that had been goaled, this way I am not taking anyone’s glory.”
Born in Ashbourne, Tim remembers the match that the ball was turned up at, when he was aged 13.
He said: “My dad was a photographer taking pictures for Derby Life, so I remember it well.”
TV auctioneer Charles Hanson discovered the ball at a routine house visit in north London where he noticed the homeowner’s son – a Chelsea fan – kicking it about in the backyard.
He said: “They had no idea what it was and the significance it has to the people of Derbyshire. The homeowner was amazed and delighted when I told her how much it had sold for.
“It was an amazing sale, the room was packed. Tim is nothing short of a local legend. Football really did come home and it was all thanks to him.”
Tim Lane will now keep the ball on display at his Newton Solney home with plans to pass it on to his daughter.
The sale took place on the first day of the legendary local battle which sees the Up’ards, those born north of the River Henmore take on the Down’ards, those born to the south.
In this year’s game the Up’ards – who lost last year – snatched overall victory with a final score of 3-0 after the two-day slog.
Auction Results
Auction: The Derbyshire February Silver, Jewellery & Watches Auction
Auction date: 17th February 2026 | 10am
Location: Hansons’ Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
