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Bourton’s River Football Returns With 2–1 Win as Crowds Pack Cotswolds Village

The century-old river match doubles as a fundraiser that now draws numbers large enough to strain Bourton-on-the-Water’s narrow streets.

Overview

  • Bourton Rovers’ men’s side beat the veterans 2-1 with a late goal in a five-a-side, 50-minute contest played in the ankle-deep River Windrush.
  • Mixed teams from the club’s men’s and veterans’ squads took part, with kick-off at about 2pm on the August bank holiday.
  • News outlets reported around 2,000 spectators on the riverbanks, though referee Mike Smith estimated the crowd at roughly 1,000.
  • Visitors described packed pavements, long queues at cafes and bakeries, and full car parks, with overflow parking opened by the nearby cricket club.
  • Referee Mike Smith officiated in costume and said money raised from the event goes back into Bourton Rovers Football Club.