Forensic tests to combat cheating at conker contest

Published: Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:33:59

Competitors at an upcoming Gloucestershire conker competition are to see their conkers undergo rigorous forensic scrutiny in order to root out unscrupulous cheats. The Poulton International Conker Contest is introducing extensive testing and police-style security measures in order to prevent contestants from gaining an unfair advantage. Each conker will be checked for signs of tampering by oven baking or vinegar soaking, while elastic strings are also to be barred from use.

Conkers which pass the board's exacting tests will then be marked with fluorescent pens, of the kind used by police to mark stolen property, in order to prevent switching. Those found in violation of these new measures will find themselves banned from the contest. Organiser Phil Heneghan said: "It is truly incredible what lengths some contestants will go to in their attempts to win the championship."

October is the traditional month for conker veterans to prove their worth, with events including the Liverpool Conker Championship and World Conker Championship also set to take place in the coming weeks. Have you ever cheated in a conkers game?

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