Football matches are normally called off if the pitch is waterlogged – except in the Cotswolds. Two teams braved chilly and damp conditions on Monday to take part in the annual Football in the River match at Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire.
While much of the United Kingdom has basked in a heatwave this summer and many areas have been affected by drought, there were no such concerns in the Cotswolds as the pitch was in tip-top wet condition. The 30-minute game was played out between mixed teams of Bourton Rovers’ 1st XI and 2nd XI and kicked off at 11.30am.
Around 2,000 spectators lined the banks of the river to enjoy the annual 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”.
This year’s match ended 3-3 after the 2nd XI, in yellow shirts, scored a last-minute equalizer when the referee was distracted. The 1st XI had taken an early lead and a second goal was ruled out after the referee consulted the riverside VAR.
The second half started with the 1st XI up 2-1 and they quickly made it 3-1 before the 2nd XI missed a controversial penalty when it was saved by the goalkeeper. The 2nd XI came back into the game when the 1st XI had a player sent off for a second bookable offense and pulled the game back to 3-2.
They had an equalizer chalked off by the ref for collapsing the goalposts, but made it 3-3 with the last kick of the game.
Jack Galpin, who refereed the match, said: “It’s brilliant to have the crowds back as the last couple of years have been a lot quieter during the pandemic. It is brilliant for us as a club as this event is our main fundraiser for the year and it was amazing to see so many people watching.”