VILLAGERS went head to head and enjoyed some fun in the sun for the inaugural fixtures of a competition extolling the virtues of a traditional summer activity.

The White Lion Inn in Ufford, near Woodbridge, hosted the first stage of Suffolk Sport’s rounders league.

Several hundred spectators turned out to support the opening day of the tournament, which is part of the Fit Villages Initiative and has received funding from Rounders England. As well as a team from the White Lion it also features sides from Cratfield, Sutton Heath, Otley, Thorpeness and Bredfield’s Castle Inn.

Henry Tapp, Fit Villages co-ordinator, said: “Social rounders is a fantastic way of bringing people together and we were really excited to get the league underway.

“Suffolk Sport is keen to bring activity to rural communities in its bid to make Suffolk England’s most active county and this is a great example of that happening.”

Last year the White Lion was awarded the EADT’s Community Pub of the Year Award.

As well as the rounders the pub also launched its very own cycling club, backed by Cycle Suffolk.

Landlord Stephen Thurlow said: “It was a fantastic turnout. It was great fun and there was an exceptionally friendly atmosphere. Everyone really enjoyed themselves.

“I’d like to say a big thank you, not just to those who participated, but also to the boys from Suffolk Sport, who put a lot of effort in.”

The White Lion will hold a number of cycle rides this summer. To join its club visit www.uffordwhitelion.co.uk or call 01394 460770.