AN epic series of the Uppies and Downies was sealed for the Downies last weekend as Daniel Fryer hailed the ball for the side in 'the moment' of his life to date.
The 26-year-old hailed the ball at the capstan of the Prince of Wales Dock after a series that saw the game return to Workington after a two-year hiatus due to coronavirus.
Speaking to the Times & Star about his win Daniel said: "I think it’s actually the moment of my life to date, not just the fact I won the ball but to have my dad and lads that I go down with there with me made it so much sweeter and I wouldn’t have gotten the ball without them."
Daniel follows in a long line of family members, who have been hailing balls for the Downies since 1927.
In more recent times Daniels father Stephen Fryer and uncles John and Mark Fryer have all hailed balls to win the games.
Although Daniel lives in Flimby, the Fryer family all play down due to his father and uncles growning up in Northside, Workington.
Daniel said: "It was possibly one of the toughest games I played in to date.
"Possibly to do with the fact that due to coronavirus and the games not getting played for two years, everyone just really seemed up for it and was awesome to be involved in!
READ MORE: Epic return for town's favourite love - with all still to play for at the weekend
"This will make around 7or 8 (balls) in the family now and hopefully have more to come."
Dan has been playing in the games for more than 13 years, having gone to watch the Uppies and Downies for many years before.
He said: "First time I went in to play was 2009 when my dad hailed the ball and I was 13 but had watched it for years before then.
"So around 13 years I’ve been going in and I’d say I’ve only missed a handful of games in that time."
The ball on Easter Saturday was sponsored by people in the town with the winner getting £500 - Daniel said he will be making a donation to the games charity.
He said: "Honestly the money never once crossed my mind, you don’t play the game for the money you play for the ball and that’s how it should always be.
"I’m planning on making a donation back to the guys that run the Uppies and Downies charity night, they have done fantastic in the past for local charities."
The win on Saturday followed a Downies win on Good Friday for Aaron Lancaster, followed by an Uppies win from Jamie Friel on Easter Tuesday.
READ MORE: 'Absolutely delighted' - Downies clinch first win of the series after 'epic battle'
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