South Cerney Old and New
Sport
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Football

One of the oldest known organised sports of the village is football.  The first team was formed about 1900 and was one of the first clubs to enter the Cirencester and District League which was formed in 1920 and they still compete in this competition as well as entering the Cirencester Charities Cup, the Arthur Shipway Cup and the County Cup.  The fortunes of the club have varied considerably over the years, the peak period being after the 1939-45 war when as many as four teams were fielded, but as the years passed the interest dwindled and there was difficulty at times to find players to form one team.

The club can count among its successes the winning of the Cirencester Hospital Cup on two occasions, the County Cup and being League Champions on more than one occasion.

(1966)

Cricket

Cricket has also been played in the village for many years and was well supported for many years but suffered the same fate as football and eventually it was found impossible to field a team.

Through the enthusiasm of a few lovers of the game it was restarted in 1966.  The ground is the school ground off High Street.  The club build their own pavilion in 1967.

Bowls

A bowling green situated in the “Downings” consisting of three rinks was the headquarters of the South Cerney Bowling Club.  This was in great demand over many years and brought a great deal of pleasure to older members of the community.  It is unfortunate that this once very active club is no longer in being.  Mr Cantrell provided the land from 1925 or so to 1938 or so.

Tennis

By kind permission of Capt Cripps who offered the use of his hard court at Atkyns Manor to interested players, it was possible to form a club.  This provided entertainment for a great many and included tournament and match play.  1930’s and post-war.

Indoor Activities

A Rifle Club has been in existence for many years, the range being at the rear of the Post Office.

Among other indoor sports are Skittles, Cribbage and Darts team, all of which compete in the local leagues.

Water Sports

The Angling Club whose membership is approximately 250 is the oldest of the water sports which has been in existence for some 30 years.  They fish some 250 acres of water in the pits as well as about 7 miles of river.  The fish include trout, roach, perch, pike, chub and carp.  Most of these waters have been stocked by the club.  Members have fished in the All England Championships (1967).

A Good Catch was recorded in July 1908, when Mr A H Williams of South Cerney caught a fine trout weighing 3lb 9oz. In the river Churn at South Cerney Mill

(W & G 1908)

The Sailing Club is comparatively new and makes use of some 100 acres of water.  The membership at present is largely outside the village.

Hydroplane racing is another popular water sport.  The Bristol Hydroplane Club hold regular meetings during the summer, which include some Championship races.   This sport is not open to the village, except to watch.

The Cirencester Water-Ski Club, in 1965, were the hosts of the International Championships.

A Sculling Club was formed by the Royal Agricultural College, also in 1965.

A portion of the water is also used by the Gloucestershire Education Committee for youth training.

Quoits

There was a flourishing team in South Cerney in 1908, who belonged to the Royal Oak Quoit Club, and many matches were played against other clubs in the district.

Rabbit Coursing

(Advert)   This will be held on Bank Holiday from the Crown Inn, Cerney Wick.

(W & G December 1895)

Starling Shoot

(Advert)   To be held on the 18^th January, when a Gun and Case by Reilly, London, will be shot for at handicap distances, limited to two chances.  Also a match for £10 between Isaac Gough, South Cerney, and Mr W Tuck, Swindon.  Mr Gough will concede Mr Tuck 5 yds.  They will find the birds and trap for each other – 40 yds. fall.  Referee and stake holder, Mr Cole, Stratton, Swindon.  Good supply of starlings.  Sweepstake shooting will commence at 12 o’clock sharp.  Match at 3pm.

(W & G January 1903)

Horse-racing

Meetings were held between 1781 and 1792.  These were called the Cirencester Races and were held on Cerney Downs (probably on part of the present airfield).

(Gloucester Journal)

£50.  5-year-old horses, carrying 8 stone 4lb., owner of very horse to pay 3 guineas and 5/- to the clerk of the course; winners to pay 2 guineas for weights and measures.   Balls each evening at the King’s Head, Cirencester.

(Gloucester Journal, 8^th August, 1781)

Monday, August 23^rd 1784.   There is a brief account of the races.   No racing on the second day due to lack of horses.

(Gloucester Journal 1784)