Rushden's Ray Kellock became king of the swingers yesterday, taking the World Conker Champion title for the 2nd time!
Hundreds of spectators were at the 46th World Championship at Ashton on Sunday to witness the 64 year old local Rushden man deliver the powerful swipe that shattered his opponent's dreams in one huge wallop.
Veteran Ray, who won in 2008 but lost in the semis last year, was happy to reveal the secret of his success.
"There's none of that soaking the conker in vinegar then baking to toughen it up... all conkers and laces are supplied on the day by the club to ensure fair play. It's all about potential energy," said Ray. "It's all about how and where you hit it."
Wendy Bradford, 45, from Brixworth, Northants, took the women's title.
Wendy said: "We just enjoy competing as a family. It's a really nice day and they always book the nice weather. I'll probably be back next year but I think this is the pinnacle of my achievements."
There was an early scare for the organisers, who had feared they might have to cancel the contest.
Club secretary John Hadman said: "There was a problem when we started to collect conkers about three weeks ago - they were small and few and far between.
"Our usual trees just weren't producing them. But then with the recent wind and rain we got ones coming down from trees which had not produced for years. It's one of those vagaries of nature."
Conkers is not for the faint-hearted, as John explains. "It's all aggression and there is no defence at all.
"When you're playing, it's natural to flinch when this thing is being swung at you, especially if it comes very close to your knuckles. The best thing to do is look away and think of England."
This year's event raised £20,000 for a host of charities.
The club hope that by the 50th finals in 2014 they will get the total donation figure over five decades to £500,000.
