Stroud-Rodborough: How a Local Derby Shapes a Local Relationship

A derby game is one of the oldest traditions in sport. Legend telling the first was played between Wigan and St Helens back in 1895 on the Earl of Derby’s Knowsley Estate, or it was from a horse race started by the Earl of Derby in 1780, or even from the city of Derby hosting the first ‘football game’ between men from the All Saints and St Peter’s Parishes.

Regardless of what you believe the true origin of the term is, one thing that is guaranteed is there will be an almost tribal, blood rivalry between two groups of people with no difference except that of a post code.

Stroud United FC versus Rodborough Old Boys is a fixture that resonates throughout the West Country, like a stand off in an old spaghetti western movie. Players feel a pressure than what they would a normal match day. Tension fills two towns, wanting to make themselves and their peers proud – earning the right to wear the badge on their chest.

Bram Bax-Pratt, Stroud United FC winger, is no stranger to the pressure of the derby day. “I’m quite quiet, everything gets shut out”. After a steady breakfast of eggs on toast, coffee and fruit, he leaves to get to the grounds half an hour early. “I listen to music. I might have a conversation with someone before hand, but I’ll listen more than talk because I want to focus on what I’m really doing. Improve form my last game.”

The objective is to make a statement about Stroud, that they’re the better team. “The rivalry has been there since I’ve joined the team. [We – Stroud United] just want to show them what you’re about, go into it quite aggressive.”

Madeline “Maddie” Gloyne, is Bram’s girlfriend, and a derby game affects her too. She says “It’s a weird one, Stroud and Rodborough, it’s a strange one.” She added “The anger is on another level. It’s different to any other game.”

Maddie does go to watch the games, and when she does, she pays close attention to her boyfriend. Not understanding the blood rivalry between the two teams, she wants to make sure that he is having a good game. “I don’t get involved because I don’t understand the feeling of it compared to Bram. I don’t emotionally connect with it”.

If the result doesn’t go their way, the atmosphere is different. “I got a routine. He walks off and I don’t talk to him for a bit. It does change my day slightly.”

Bram said, about the team losing, “if we lose, I don’t want to do anything. Just get home and go to bed.” He will then critically talk about the team's performance, and Maddie will listen to what he has to say; the conversation will more or less end with “Let’s stop talking about it now, I know I’m going to get over it”.

If they day results in a win, it’s a totally different story; the players celebrate like they’ve won their championship – and it reflects on the town. They hit it hard, every pub or bar getting a visit. But for Maddie, she’ll go home early; happy of the result for her partner.