The birthplace of Charles Darwin is still home to evolution, 130 years after his death – only this time it was of a sporting kind.

Shrewsbury Sports Village saw its first ever outdoor Leisure League kick off last night, and it did so in a manner that suggested that it could be a really tight competition.

Longden look like being anything but a long shot for the title, though, as they eased to a solid 2-0 victory against Cesc And The City, while a single goal apiece were enough for Team A and It Is It Is to beat Real Sosobad and TT respectively.

At least one of those teams will be dropping points next week, though as Longden take on Team A in the pick of the fixtures.

Leisure Leagues Head of New Business, Jack Bullivant was thrilled with the first night and added: “Everything looks to be set up for a really superb  league. The facilities are fantastic and the teams are really committed and skilful.”

Jack also said he was looking to emulate something of Leisure Leagues past in the picturesque Shropshire town as they looked to the future: “Many years ago we had a thriving indoor competition in Shrewsbury. The town has long been part of the Leisure Leagues fabric. That competition had three divisions at one point and, really, there is no reason this one shouldn’t be exactly the same. ”

Click here for more information on the league: https://www.leisureleagues.net/league/shrewsbury-sports-village/shrewsbury-tuesday