SOMBRE HOMBRES.

The first ever game of boules. Back when 'birthday suits' ruled the roost. The Jerk's opponent goads him, like a matador would a bull.

After clothing was created, clogs were soon introduced as mandatory attire, along with bullet-proof vests.

Trouble flares after an unannounced Laxman.

- Whittbush, 1899.

Boules in the time of silent cinema. As represented here by a group of actors who were obliged to 'keep it buttoned' for a whole Bastard.

Vintage footage from the Paris Invitational, 1904.

NB. The consumption of alcohol during matchplay was banned in 1997.

Jo-Wilfried 'Buzz' Cardiac, with his signature move
'The Pilgrim Fader'.

Boules breaks out during lunch on the set of 'West Side Story'.

Baggy pants concealed boules and snacks.

An extremely rare photo of current BAFBA Secretary Cahill Morgue, BaHons.

Jim Treeheart, with his signature move, 'The Catfish'.

The late, great, Don 'Humbucker' Kodie (1900 - 1974).

Hopping up and down before release was the favoured style of Philip 'Fag Ash Phil' Demetriou. It was known as the 'Hop Dollop'.

A prolonged argument between 2 officials at Pryhill Gardens, 1952.

An impasse between Ken Mews and Tam Buchanan at 1977's 'Ibex Shield' held in Dunblane.

Clinton Busby with yet another illegal Kugel toss at the Brecon Beacons Roadshow, 1983.

Crowds in Penzance, known for generating a hostile atmosphere, can get very agitated during gametime.

An intruder interrupts play, sabotaging the boules at Argarry Manor in County Down, 1990.

The ever popular 'Naked Bastard', held annually in South Shields. 

4 local servicemen enjoy a 2-boules Bastard at the Breecravie Estate Luncheon.

Brenda Klaxon tweaks a muscle at Cliffroy.

Confusion reigns - The Lost Bastard at Great Haxby.

BAFBA enthusiast Eugene Clann shortly before his unfortunate demise, 1997.

Neil Young & Crazy Horse are known to play boules when on tour.

An overarm toss from Bernard Guppy-Brown.

The widened 'egg roll' stance favoured by Vincent Beale.

Classic French Petanque in the 20th Century? Nope, hysterical Welsh boules in the 21st Century.

David Gower tosses the opening 'pitch' at Glenturdan, 2004.

Proud trophy haul of the 3-time Gas Lake Congressional champions, 'Spartak Yeading'.

Sometimes boules is played 'en vacances'.

Proud Boules supporters, The Beastie Boys, seen here in the gardens at Buckingham Palace, 1998.