Page 14 - Cheltenham Saracens v Bourton Rovers 121122
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Introducing - Bourton Rovers FC
With grounds left in a trust to the village by local
benefactor George Moore as far back as 1894, Bourton
Rovers’ rich footballing heritage spans three centuries.
Long time members of the Cheltenham League, the North
Cotswold side has spent the majority of these years with its
two sides competing frenetically on the local football scene.
Despite the Rissington Road ground possessing one of the
finest pitches in the area, mainly due to the dedication of
groundsman of Roy Davis through the 90s and the
continual efforts from our members.
However grass has not been the only surface that the village side has
contested matches on over the years! The annual football in the river
competition, which dates back to as long as the club has been in existence,
is of world repute as a ‘quirky’ British event and the crowds drawn from far
and wide regularly make for Rovers largest attendance of the season.
The club is always progressing to become the local club that everyone can
be proud of. With continual development on and off the field of play,
including new facilities for football development and community activities.
Bourton-on-the-Water - Football in the River
This World famous event happens right here in Bourton on the Water every
August Bank Holiday. Don’t miss the fun as thousands of people line up
along side the riverbank to watch two teams from Bourton Rovers Football
Club battle it out for the honours.
This event has attracted many celebrities overs the years and more so
recently with Griff Rhys Jones taking part as part a his Cotswold TV show.
The game is 15 minutes each way with no rules apart from the players who
will splash the crowd. The ball can go anywhere so if you have children on
the bank or elderly then it may be worth stepping back.
The river itself is a shallow 10 inches deep at most with a pebbled bed. As
the river is fresh running, it is as cold as it is in the Winter.
Prior to the game, which normally kicks off around 16:00, the football club
hold a few stalls to help raise money for the clubs development