Now there are some religious and conservation minded readers who may feel that any farmer who would choose to invite a group of people to drive 'Gods Creatures' out of their homes with terriers was a tyrant. However not even the National Trust or Nature Conservancy Council could dispute the efforts that this host farmer has gone to, to provide suitable habitats for the indigenous rodents. Heaps of tyres, sleepers and assorted sheets of roofing materials had all been thoughtfully sited to offer perfect conditions for nesting rats. The farmer had even considered slight variations of the Stewardship Scheme by not spraying numerous wild flower/nettle beds. This not only protected rat runs from overhead predation but also encouraged pollinating insects. However victim to his own kindness the farmer had somewhat over subscribed to the rat population and called upon the Rugby Ratcatchers to relieve his problem.

As a last minute fixture, many may well of thought that the Biblical weather that the Malton area received may well have been enough to call an end to proceedings at a certain Hovingham dairy farm. However after consulting with the local 'seaweed rubbing' meteorologist the organisers were reassured that "rain before seven, fine by eleven" would be the order of the day.

With an early start organised at the 'Spotted cow' the Rat catchers grew in number, picking up members and terriers on the way until finally proceedings were started with seven stick men and four, keen for work, terriers. Like kids in a sweetie shop the ratters were spoilt for choice as to where to begin the days activities. It was finally decided by the eager yapping of 'Toffee' and a shrill call of an unsuspecting rat being taught the tango by the black and white terrier 'Minty'.

Coats soon started coming off as adrenalin levels rose and voices raised to excited shouts. Young and old frantically pulled half buried zinc sheets from the ground as if instructed by the ever frustrated, vocal terrier pack. Contrary to any imagery brought about by his names sake 'Elvis' the black, rough haired terrier seemed to dispatch effortlessly rats of all sizes.

Be it because of the changeable weather or the unappealing relocation package the terriers were offering many of the vermin chose to sit it out and were reluctant to bolt. However no one can argue with a cross section of professionals wielding a handful of spades and a two stroke engine smoker. Working with the efficiency of a bonus paid group of Selby miners warren after warren was opened up and cleared of its contents.

Reconnaissance scouting was on going with ratting new comer 'Billy' dogging out a heap of sleepers and taking what must have been the rat of the day. Gypsies might well of tethered the beast to the road side, or charged kids at the beach to ride it. It was shortly after this point that the question went out to the boss of 'Elvis' as to whether he fed his dog. Any rat smaller than that of a terriers nub-like tail was wolfed down before it could be added to the tally bag. It was noticeable that towards the end of the day 'Elvis' became considerably more rotund and slower than he had started.

The weather had not only anchored the rats tightly in their burrows but also brought a collection of Settrington cricket team to join in proceedings. By far the most valued of the late-comers was the compact black terrier 'Sydney'; Who by all accounts is also a better batsman than half of them. She dug and shook like an epileptic gravedigger, bolting and ending countless rats.

As the day progressed the rat catchers found themselves battling through heavy drilled, neck high nettles. Special note was made of the only female member of the day in the graceful way she dropped nettles with her broom shaft, like Napalm on the Vietnamese. At the end of the drive the whistle was blown and refreshments offered. Derek Fox's lamb and mint sausages mixed particularly well with the sloe gin and seemed to re-invigorate the troops.

For the final drive of the day local legend and host of the days events arrived with his terrier 'Millie'. Not phased by the sheer concentration of vermin, 'Millie' battled with the biggest of them and came out victorious. Prominent local gym owner proved invaluable with a shovel and the regional NFU representative entertained the group with his Irish jig impersonations of Michael Flattley, unfortunately much of the routine appeared to be on a stage of surrounding terriers. Estate agents from the region also discovered a further benefit, to include within sales particulars, when buying a Ryedale small holding other than picturesque landscapes and useful ranges of out buildings.

All told the day can surely be classed as a success. The farmer has made some space for new breeding lines of rodent to strengthen the genetic pool. With fewer rats there will be more food to go around for the others and populations of Barn owls, sparrow hawks and the less commonly twitched Red kytes must surely prosper from their hunting ground clearance.

Thought for the day: The Rugby Rat Catchers do what they do for the good of the countryside, the community and in a tenuous way the rat. Any false accusations relating to the service we provide being a selfish one, in an adrenaline kicking, pulse racing, happy dog type of way ought to join us to realise just how selfless we are.