Cambridge is known for being the birthplace of football as we know it today

With its educational centre of excellence, it’s no surprise that some of the world’s most important inventions have come from Cambridge. From the structure of DNA, to the first reflecting telescope and the first graphical computer game, Cambridge is well established on the map of scientific discoveries.

When it comes to sport, the first thing most people associate Cambridge with is the boat race. But aside from this, when Cambridge’s elite students weren’t studying, they were busy coming up with the rules for a sport which is now played by people across the world.

Cambridge is credited as being the birthplace of football as we know it today. While the ‘Cambridge Rules’ aren’t used in competitive football today, they do serve as the foundation for the rules, having a significant impact on the first laws of football which were published by the Football Association (FA) in 1863.

The 11 rules were thought up on Parker’s Piece in the 1848 and were stapled to trees around the park, marking the first time football had any formal laws. The Cambridge Rules are are said to be the first football rules which allotted each player an area of the pitch, and based the game on passing the ball.

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According to Cambridge Rules 1848, the rules were as follows:

1. This club shall be called the University Foot Ball Club.
2. At the commencement of the play, the ball shall be kicked off from the middle of the ground: after every goal there shall be a kick-off in the same way.
3. After a goal, the losing side shall kick off; the sides changing goals, unless a previous arrangement be made to the contrary.
4. The ball is out when it has passed the line of the flag-posts on either side of the ground, in which case it shall be thrown in straight.
5. The ball is behind when it has passed the goal on either side of it.
6. When the ball is behind it shall be brought forward at the place where it left the ground, not more than ten paces, and kicked off.
7. Goal is when the ball is kicked through the flag-posts and under the string.
8. When a player catches the ball directly from the foot, he may kick it as he can without running with it. In no other case may the ball be touched with the hands, except to stop it.
9. If the ball has passed a player, and has come from the direction of his own goal, he may not touch it till the other side have kicked it, unless there are more than three of the other side before him. No player is allowed to loiter between the ball and the adversaries’ goal.
10. In no case is holding a player, pushing with the hands, or tripping up allowed. Any player may prevent another from getting to the ball by any means consistent with the above rules.
11. Every match shall be decided by a majority of goals.

When it comes to a football goal, you’re probably familiar with the white metal frame and net. The standard measurement is 7.32m wide and 2.44m high.

In the 19th century, they didn’t have goals readily available. Their goal was marked by two trees. On the edge of Parker’s Piece are two ash trees, which are said to be the origin of the goal size which is still used today.

Parker’s Piece remains a popular spot in the city for sport, especially during the summer months when people can be seen playing badminton, rounders, and of course, football.

In 2018, a monument called ‘Cambridge Rules 1848’ was installed in Parker’s Piece. The monument is made up of four stone pillars, each of which are engraved with the Cambridge Rules translated into several languages.

Mexican drug lord “El Mencho” has been killed in a military operation, an official has said.

The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, whose real name is Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, died on Sunday, the Associated Press reported.

An official, who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly, told the news agency the military operation was carried out in the western state of Jalisco.

It followed several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states. Such tactics are commonly used by the cartels to block military operations.

Videos posted on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over Puerto Vallarta, a major city in Jalisco, and people running through the airport of the state’s capital in panic.

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The US State Department had offered a reward of up to $15m for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is one of the most powerful and fastest-growing criminal organisations in Mexico.

In February, the Trump administration designated it as a foreign terrorist organisation.

The cartel carried out a daring assassination attempt in 2020, with grenades and high-powered rifles, in the heart of Mexico City against the then-head of the capital’s police force, who is now head of federal security.

The DEA considers it to be as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico’s most notorious criminal groups.

The cartel has a presence in all 50 US states, where it distributes tonnes of drugs.

It is one of the leading suppliers of cocaine to the US market.

Like the Sinaloa cartel, it earns billions from the production of methamphetamines and fentanyl.

Jonathan Cussins, of 43, of Priorpot Lane, Norton,  pleaded guilty to speeding in a 30 mph zone on the A170 in Scarborough.

He was banned from driving for six months, fined £307 and ordered to pay £90 prosecution costs and a £123 statutory surcharge.

Robert Willett, 37, of Thornton Road, Pickering, pleaded guilty to speeding in a 30 mph zone on the A170 in Scarborough.

He was banned from driving for six months, fined £646 and ordered to pay £90 prosecution costs and a £258 statutory surcharge.

Lee Adlington, 40, of Glebelands, Kellingley near Selby, pleaded guilty to speeding on the A63 Selby bypass.

He was banned from driving for six months, fined £192 and ordered to pay £120 prosecution costs.

Dominic M’Benga, 61, of Hull Road, Barmby Moor, East Yorkshire, was convicted in his absence of failure to tell police who was driving his car when it allegedly committed a motoring offence.

He was fined £660, ordered to pay £120 prosecution costs and a £264 statutory surcharge and given six penalty points.

Fletcher’s Family Farm viewers refused to watch Sunday’s new episode for a heartbreaking reason

ITV viewers claimed to “switch off” Sunday’s episode of Fletcher’s Family Farm after Kelvin Fletcher informed viewers about his plans to send his cow Sonic for slaughter.

Kelvin shared, “I’m in the barn with Sonic, and we’re about to start a journey that every farmer knows well, but in this particular case is new to us. It’s nearly time for Sonic to make the journey most livestock animals are bred for.”

Explaining the reasoning behind his decision, the former Emmerdale star said, “The process is we have got Sonic in, and we’ve got him in to finish. We enjoy meat, as many people do, and this is part of it. Obviously, we’ve done that with the sheep and the pigs, and we’ve kind of got used to that now, whereas this is going to feel very well, I don’t know how it’s going to feel. Is it going to feel different? I don’t know.”

“Even though it’s part of life on the farm, it doesn’t make the moment any easier,” he added.

Kelvin went on to explain that this Christmas, he hoped to be eating Fletcher’s beef. He said, “The kids understand brilliantly the concepts, in such an uncomplicated way, of what the animals become. You know, when we eat animals, they’ve got a very good understanding of that, and it’s uncomplicated, as it kind of should be. It’s celebrated.”

He added, “He’s had a great life running around and being happy. He looks in fantastic condition. He’s a show winner as well. Let’s not forget that he’s a rosette-wearing supreme champion. I’d probably go as far as saying you’d be our most famous.

“You’re our first, you’re award-winning, you’ve been on the telly, you’ve got a name, and you’ll be the first Fletcher beef that we eat and other people eat, so there’s a lot riding on this, mate.”

Following the episode, Kelvin and his wife, Liz, shared an update with his Instagram followers. Taking to their Fletcher’s Family Farm Instagram account, the couple announced, “Fletcher’s Beef. What a moment for us.”

Kelvin and Liz didn’t confirm whether the beef was from Sonic, but some fans were left saddened by the news, with many claiming they couldn’t watch the latest episode.

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One viewer wrote, “I’ve just watched today’s show, and I had to turn it off…poor Sonic.”

“I can’t watch this week’s! The downside of farming for me,” another said while a third added, “Shan’t be watching anymore.”

Someone else pleaded, “Please don’t name them, if you’re going to eat them.”

Another asked, “Is that poor Sonic? You’re a braver person than me, no way could I eat him.”

Others congratulated the couple on their beef; they commented, “Looks fabulous, beef. Congratulations, that’s a hard job to choose the cattle to market. It needs to be done.”

“Congrats to you, I couldn’t be a farmer, I couldn’t feed them, name them, rear them, and then eat them. I am not saying I don’t eat meat, I do, but not ones I name,” another agreed.

Fletcher’s Family Farm airs on Sunday at 11.30am on ITV.

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The Lady on ITV is a four-part drama about Sarah Ferguson’s former royal aide who was convicted of murder.

The Lady makes its ITV debut this evening, starring recognisable faces from Happy Valley, Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey.

True crime enthusiasts are set for a compelling watch as ITV broadcasts The Lady tonight, Sunday, February 22, at 9pm, replacing Shaun Evans’ espionage thriller Betrayal.

This four-part royal drama explores the captivating true story of Sarah Ferguson‘s royal aide whose spectacular fall from grace culminated in a savage killing.

With The Lady poised to premiere, here’s the complete rundown of its star-studded cast.

The Lady on ITV cast

Jane Andrews – Mia McKenna-Bruce

Central to ITV’s The Lady is Jane Andrews, a working-class Cleethorpes woman from Lincolnshire, who secured the chance of a lifetime upon her appointment as Sarah Ferguson’s royal dresser.

However, following her redundancy in the late 1970s, Jane’s existence descended into chaos, ultimately driving her to murder her partner.

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Jane comes alive in The Lady through actress Mia McKenna-Bruce, who gained recognition playing Tee Taylor in Tracy Beaker Returns, subsequently appearing in How to Have Sex, Vampire Academy and Persuasion.

Most lately, McKenna-Bruce portrayed Lady Eileen “Bundle” Brent in Netflix’s interpretation of Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials.

Sarah Ferguson – Natalie Dormer

What elevates Jane’s narrative to greater prominence is her employment working for the former Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, at Buckingham Palace.

The Lady will offer viewers a glimpse into their personal relationship before Jane Andrews committed murder.

Actress Natalie Dormer is most recognised for her portrayal of Margaery Tyrell in the acclaimed HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones, alongside roles as Anne Boleyn in The Tudors and Cressida in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2.

Thomas Cressman – Ed Speleers

McKenna-Bruce and Dormer are accompanied by actor Ed Speleers, who took the lead role in the 2006 film Eragon, portrayed Jimmy Kent in Downton Abbey and antagonist Stephen Bonnet in MGM+’s Outlander.

He will also be recognised for his performance as Rhys Montrose in the fourth series of Netflix’s psychological thriller You and Jack Crusher in Star Trek: Picard.

Speleers is set to play Thomas Cressman, Jane Andrews’ partner and victim, whom she struck with a cricket bat whilst he slept before delivering a fatal stab wound.

June and David Andrews – Claire Skinner and Daniel Ryan

Jane Andrews’ narrative will begin from the outset, depicting her upbringing in Lincolnshire with her family who endured financial hardship.

The Lady will trace her formative years and the circumstances she returned to both before and after her employment with the Duchess of York.

Her mother is played by actress Claire Skinner, who has appeared in Hilda and McDonald and Dodds, though she remains best known for her role as Sue Brockman in the BBC sitcom Outnumbered.

Meanwhile, her father David Andrews is portrayed by actor Daniel Ryan, whose credits include The Bay, Mount Pleasant and Innocent, amongst numerous other productions.

DCI Jim Dickie – Philip Glenister

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Following Thomas’s murder, DCI Jim Dickie, portrayed by Philip Glenister, takes charge of the investigation to identify his killer.

Glenister is best known for his portrayal of DCI Gene Hunt in the BBC series Life on Mars and its follow-up Ashes to Ashes, whilst also taking on roles as DCI William Bell in State of Play and Reverend Anderson in Outcast.

Several other prominent actors will appear in The Lady, though specifics about their characters remain closely guarded.

These include Laura Aikman from Gavin and Stacey and This City Is Ours, Guardian of the Galaxy’s Ophelia Lovibond, and Happy Valley’s Mark Stanley.

The Lady premieres on Sunday, February 22, on ITV and ITVX.

York Archaeology, which runs the festival, estimates 50,000 people took part in the week of events, workshops and markets or visited the encampment on Parliament Street.

The organisers had feared that the weeks of rain would continue and ruin the day of outdoor events that bring the festival to a climax.

But although grey clouds hung over the traditional March to Coppergate, the rain held off as the 450 mostly Vikings marched through streets lined with people.

And the rain continued to hold off for the Kids Barbaric Battles, Viking Fun and Games and the marchers engaging in four rounds of combat in the Battle Spectacular ending in a special pyrotechnic display, all staged at the Eye of York.

And organisers believe Norse weather gods played their part in ensuring the dry weather.

“This has really been an epic year for Jorvik Viking Festival, with the vast majority of the events sold out before the Festival even opened, and really good crowds turning out to enjoy all the free activities and displays we have hosted,” said Mark Jackson, head of operations for York Archaeology.

“The March to Coppergate seemed particularly well-supported, with people lining both side of the street the whole way from Dean’s Park to Coppergate, cheering on the marching Vikings as they passed,” he said. 

“Indeed, the living history encampment in Parliament Street has been packed all week, with the wood turning, blacksmithing and tattooing proving exceptionally popular.  

“It is brilliant to see so many people engaging with this fascinating period in York’s history, and learning a little about how our 10th century ancestors would have lived.”

Winter is about to disappear at Jorvik. The tourist attraction is currently staging A Winter Adventure and the famous recreation of Viking York is covered in snow.  It has been sold out throughout the festival.  

Tomorrow, Monday, it will be closed while the snow is removed and reopen on Tuesday with the street scenes back to their usual Spring setting of a May afternoon in the year AD960.

Speaking about Aramayo on the red carpet of the 79th British Academy Film Awards, Jones said: “I knew Robert was right for the part very early on, and because the finance was structured in a certain way, I was able to cast him without having to justify that decision or ask for people’s permission to do it – which is the purest way to cast the film. That’s how it should be done.

Christopher Williams Davies was banned indefinitely following a professional conduct hearing

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A college lecturer has been removed from the teaching register after sending a student a series of messages in which he called them “sweet cheeks” and “good girl”.

Christopher Williams Davies was banned indefinitely following a professional conduct hearing, which found his messages to two students at Coleg y Cymoedd, which has campuses in Aberdare, Nantgarw, Rhondda and Ystrad Mynach, were inappropriate, “sexual in nature” and amounted to serious misconduct, WalesOnline reports.

In one exchange, Davies told a student, or someone he believed to be a student: “Nobody sees your phone though, right? Can’t even begin to say the trouble I’d be in if anyone else saw these messages,” the panel heard.

The panel heard other messages sent by the former teacher to the student, which included a picture of a chocolate bar on his lap, with comments such as:

‘What’s it worth?’, ‘Persuade me’, ‘So what do I get?’, ‘You’re not trying very hard. You can’t want this Freddo that much…’, ‘Interesting… What else do I get?’, ‘What else you got?’, ‘What could you give that you don’t have to buy?’, ‘You didn’t show me the photos like you promised’, ‘Why can’t I see them now?’, ‘Good girl’ and ‘Sweet cheeks’.

The exchange occurred between October 11, 2023, and November 22, 2023, and also involved the student, identified only as Learner A to protect their identity, receiving a chocolate bar, the panel found.

In another set of messages, the teacher told a second student: “Could look at you all day ngl (not going to lie)” and said “You’re making me very hot under the collar here”. Davies also told the student, referred to only as Learner B in the hearing: “Wow you really are incredible” and “these pics are getting addictive”.

The now-banned teacher then seemed to become worried, messaging Learner B: “Nobody sees your phone though, right? Can’t even begin to say the trouble I’d be in if anyone else saw these messages”, and: “Just realised this convo took place on a works platform”.

In another message sent to Learner B between around September 26, 2023, and November 29, 2023, Davies said: “You’re giving me very unprofessional thoughts again… You’re getting very good at doing that xx”.

A committee, sitting remotely between January 2 and 22, 2026, found that the messages were sexual in nature and that they, along with giving Learner A a chocolate bar, did not maintain professional boundaries.

Publishing the findings online, the EWC said the committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr Davies from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of further education teacher.

It also decided Mr Davies might not make an application for restoration to the Register of Education Practitioners for two years from the hearing’s decision.

If Davies does not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after January 22, 2028, he will remain prohibited indefinitely. He had the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days of the hearing.

The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world

These are your evening rugby headlines on Sunday, February 22.

Wales star addresses ‘gut-wrenching’ moment

Wales star James Botham has addressed the “gut-wrenching” moment Darcy Graham caught the Welsh defence napping to score a try and help Scotland to a comeback victory in Cardiff.

The Cardiff flanker delivered an impressive performance after replacing the injured Taine Plumtree just 10 minutes into Saturday’s Six Nations clash at the Principality Stadium, putting in a huge defensive shift with 15 tackles.

But after Jarrod Evans had stretched Wales’ lead to 11 points from the tee shortly before the hour mark, Botham could only watch on helplessly as Finn Russell took the restart quickly and the Scotland fly-half’s kick dropped over his shoulder and into the hands of Graham, who raced over to score.

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The Edinburgh wing’s try brought Scotland right back into the game at 23-19 and helped momentum shift in the visitors’ favour, with George Turner’s score five minutes from time denying Wales a first Six Nations victory in nearly three years.

Like most players in red, Botham was getting back into position when Russell took the restart and had his back turned to the action as Graham capitalised to devastating effect.

Having been closest to the ball, however, the back-rower – who turned 28 today – admits that the split-second change in fortunes is difficult to take but will serve as motivation to progress in the final two games of the tournament.

“That’s international sport,” he said of the moment. “If you look at all the teams everyone’s so good now. Switch off for a split second and you’re penalised for it.

“It is gut-wrenching but we’ve got to use that to move forward into the next game.”

On the overall result, Botham added: “Emotionally it is tough, but that’s professional sport. We started off really well, that’s what we were aiming to do. The fact that it hurts is probably a good thing and that we were in it until the last minute.

“There’s a lot of positives to take from it because it was definitely one of the best performances we’ve done for a long time. It’s all progression, we’ve got two games left and we’ve got to focus on them now.

“Debrief this one and then we’ll go to Ireland raring to go,” he added. “It’s how we bounce back now.”

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Six Nations star receives apology

England back-rower Sam Underhill says he and his team-mates felt compelled to apologise to captain Maro Itoje after his special day went badly wrong against Ireland.

Itoje won his 100th cap for his country at Twickenham on Saturday, with his family cheering him on from the stands as they celebrated the latest landmark achievement of his career.

But things soon went pear-shaped as England suffered a humiliating 21-42 thumping at the hands of Andy Farrell’s side, with skipper Itoje replaced after 54 minutes to cap a miserable day for the Saracens lock.

After the match, Underhill revealed that the team were all too aware that they couldn’t give Itoje what he deserved on his milestone day, as he admitted the result was “disappointing”.

“We addressed it as a team that we couldn’t give him the day we wanted for him,” he told reporters. “He’s an incredibly gracious human being. He mentioned it himself, that’s sport, progress isn’t linear. Those were his words.

“We can still celebrate what an achievement 100 caps is. It’s disappointing but it doesn’t take the shine off what is a phenomenal individual accomplishment. He’s a phenomenal player, athlete, human being and leader.”

With England – who were seen as potential title contenders ahead of the tournament – falling to two defeats in their opening three matches, Underhill added: “We’re obviously disappointed with the result.

“We can acknowledge that, but also acknowledge that it’s a part of progress sometimes. Progress isn’t linear and how we respond is important. This is a phenomenally competitive tournament and the game is always evolving, teams are always evolving. Any team you play is never the same again: stylistically, individually.

“Our job is to keep improving as much as we can. Even off the back of a win, you come away with a dozen things you can improve. It’s no different after a loss,” he continued.

“You’re never as bad as people think you are and never as good as people think you are. We weren’t the best team in the world four weeks ago and we’re not the worst team now. We’ll stick at it. Stay close as a group. I hope there are good things ahead for this team.”

Doris: This is the benchmark

By Edward Elliot, Press Association

Ireland captain Caelan Doris believes Saturday’s record-breaking 42-21 demolition of England is a new benchmark for future performances.

Andy Farrell’s side responded to their detractors in emphatic fashion by securing Ireland’s largest win at Twickenham courtesy of a stunning display in the Guinness Six Nations.

Ireland’s heavy round-one loss away to France had fuelled suggestions the team is in decline following a tough autumn series before last weekend’s unconvincing win over Italy did little to quell the concerns.

“I spoke about Paris being a reference point where hopefully we’ll see a pretty steep incline in terms of performances,” said Doris. “I think this will now be a reference point that we look back on as a proper good performance that’s given us a lot of belief.

“I’ve also mentioned that at the core of what we’re doing in training, in camp, there has been belief still, and I think you saw some of that through how we played.

“It was just an unbelievable atmosphere. You talk about inspiring the nation and getting the Irish people behind us and hopefully that brought both the people here and at home a bit of joy. “We definitely enjoyed it.”

Ireland’s previous biggest victory away to England was a 32-15 success in 2022. Back-rower Doris played a starring role in south-west London and was singled out for praise by head coach Farrell.

“I thought he had his best game in a good while,” Farrell said. “He was immense in his carry. That’s Caelan at his best.

“How he led from the front and got us over the gainline was outstanding, but we could 100 per cent have two minutes on every single person out there.”

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NEW YORK (AP) — The Transportation Security Administration said Sunday that its PreCheck program would remain operational despite an earlier announcement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that the airport security service was being suspended during the partial government shutdown.

“ As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly,” the agency said.

It was not immediately clear whether Global Entry, another airport service, would be affected. PreCheck and Global Entry are designed to help speed registered travelers through security lines, and suspensions would likely cause headaches and delays.

The turmoil is tied to a partial government shutdown that began Feb. 14 after Democrats and the White House were unable to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats have been demanding changes to immigration operations that are core to President Donald Trump’s deportation campaign.

Homeland Security previously said it was taking “emergency measures to preserve limited funds.” Among the steps listed were “ending Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck lanes and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry service, to refocus Department personnel on the majority of travelers.”

Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement on Saturday night that “shutdowns have serious real world consequences.”

One group of fliers will definitely be affected, according to TSA.

“Courtesy escorts, such as those for Members of Congress, have been suspended to allow officers to focus on the mission of securing America’s skies,” the agency said.

Airlines for America, a trade group representing major carriers, said Saturday night that “it’s past time for Congress to get to the table and get a deal done.” It also criticized the announcement by saying it was “issued with extremely short notice to travelers, giving them little time to plan accordingly.”

Democrats on the House Committee on Homeland Security criticized Homeland Security handling of airport security after the initial announcement on Saturday night. They accused the administration of “kneecapping the programs that make travel smoother and secure.”

Sen. Andy Kim, a New Jersey Democrat, said Noem’s actions are part of an administration strategy to distract from other issues and shift responsibility.

“This administration is trying to weaponize our government, trying to make things intentionally more difficult for the American people as a political leverage,” he told CNN on Sunday. “And the American people see that.”