Well at least it won't go to penalties.An international sporting fixture pitting England against arch rivals Germany has been taking place in the region.

And as the shuffleboard clash reaches half time, the result seems little in doubt.

Yesterday's action saw the German side reach a seemingly unassailable lead in the two day match, being held in Wymondham's Central Hall.

The English team – made up of players from the local Wymondham Shuffleboard Club – ended the day trailing heavily by 41 points to 11.

Yesterday and today's sport contest is the first time the UK Shuffleboard Association, which at the moment only comprises the Wymondham club, has hosted the German Shuffleboard Association.

Martin Wanger, association secretary, said: 'They are beating us but it was expected, we have only been playing for two years. The Germans have been coaching us and helping us along the way which has been good.

'It gives it the edge because we are playing the Germans. There is an extra buzz and it is brilliant.'

The sport has similar tactics to curling and bowls and is appealing to all ages because the basic skills are easy to pick up.

German Shuffleboard Association president Dieter Hussmann said: 'Of course it is the old rivalry between England and Germany. We both like it. We just transfer that in shuffleboard. It is very competitive and we all love it. We are very excited to be here and the English players are picking it up quickly.'

The second day of the competition at Central Hall will run from 8.30am to 5.30pm today.

The Wymondham Shufflers, which has 39 members, set up the UK Shuffleboard Association.

The sporting contest comes after South Norfolk Council provided a grant of £3,700 to the Wymondham Shufflers group.

If you would like more information about joining, email Mr Wanger at martinhotspurwanger2001@yahoo.co.uk