PUBGOERS in Oxfordshire could soon find themselves getting something a little bit different when they order toad in the hole at the bar.
That’s because Matt Cross is looking to introduce the pub game to venues across the county.
Originating in Sussex, Toad in the Hole sees players throw coins at a lead table with a small hole in it, with points scored for getting the coin in the hole.
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Cross explained: “It comes from a town called Lewes in East Sussex, and it’s their version of Aunt Sally. They have seven or eight leagues down there, and once a year have the World Championships.
“You have a lead table with a hole in it, and four coins which are called toads.
“You begin with 31 points and the aim is to get down to zero. You get one point if the coin lands on the table and two points for getting it in the hole. Anywhere else is void.”
After successfully getting interest in Witney, Cross is optimistic the sport can become more widespread in Oxfordshire.
He said: “I normally play Aunt Sally in the summer and during Covid when we couldn’t interact during lockdown, I was looking at random pub games online and found a few videos on YouTube of Toad in the Hole.
“When we could socialise again and the pubs reopened, it started off as me and my close friends playing in the garden.
“I’m now trying to get it into the pubs and bars in the local area. I approached The Bell in Ducklington, who have got a table and are looking to get a second.
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“The Griffin have their own table too and play on Thursday nights, while the Hollybush in Corn Street have ordered their own table.
“I’m going to see West Witney Sports and Social Club at the weekend, and The Three Pigeons as well, so hopefully there’ll be five pubs involved by the new year, and I can figure out dates and times with landlords.
“Hopefully in the new year, we’ll get some sort of league set up. It’d be great to see how far it can go. I want to spread it as much as I can, and it’s supporting pub trade too by getting people in.”
On the differences between Toad in the Hole and Aunt Sally, Cross said: “It’s teams of four rather than six, and you’re throwing a two-inch brass coin rather than a wooden stick. It’s also played alternately rather than a team at a time.
“People give you a funny look when you enter the pub with a lead table, but they get on board very quickly when they’ve had a go.”
For more information, email witneytoads@hotmail.com
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