Cotswolds footballers swap pitch for river in annual waterlogged clash
Two teams braved chilly water to take part in the annual Football In The River match in Bourton-on-the-Water
Football matches are usually abandoned when a pitch becomes waterlogged – but in the Cotswolds it is all part of the game.
Two teams braved chilly water to take part in the annual Football In The River match in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire.
While much of the country has basked in successive heatwaves this summer and drought has been declared in many areas, there were no such concerns in the Cotswolds as the pitch was in tip-top wet condition.
The 50-minute game was played out between mixed teams of Bourton Rovers men’s teams and the club’s veterans and kicked off at 2pm.
Several hundred spectators lined the banks of the river to enjoy the annual five-a-side clash that takes place in the ankle-deep water of the Windrush.
It is not clear how the idea of playing a football match in a river first arose, but the tradition has reportedly been going strong for around 100 years.
The match regularly draws large crowds and fans are advised to wear waterproofs if they plan to stand close to the side of the “pitch”.
A brief shower of rain in the second half did not dampen the spirits of the players or spectators.
This year’s match ended 3-3 after the first XI scored an injury time leveller.
They had taken an early lead after winning a throw-in and went 2-0 up from a penalty after a dark blue foul.
The veterans pulled back a goal from a controversial penalty shortly before half-time.
The half-time team talk transformed the veterans, and they quickly went 3-2 up after scoring from a throw-in.
A third penalty of the game was rocketed over the crossbar by the first XI, and they equalised in injury time to level the game.
Neil Teague, who refereed the game dressed as comic hero Superman, said afterwards: “It was a very, very good game – it was a little bit wet out there.
“It’s a bit of fun and it has been taking place for over 100 years.
“I came out of retirement for this game.”