Intrepid Duo Year 1 11 / 12
16.8.11 Braintree Town v Grimsby Town (5 – 0)
Ray “The Fish” & the Innkeeper took the opportunity to visit Braintree to give encouragement to their newly promoted aspirational team. Our intrepid duo welcomed the opportunity to extend our best wishes to Braintree Town F.C.
The Innkeeper & Ray “The Fish” attempted to keep a low key but were regularly spotted by local football supporters who were grateful to the Histon Mariners for their support grassroots football.
The Mighty Mariners did not perform quite up to the expected standards. One notable occurrence was Braintree scoring twice while the Innkeeper queued for light refreshment, beginning during half time & ending 6 minutes into the second half...!
It has been suggested that the altruistic efforts of our intrepid duo perhaps inspired the Braintree team to efforts beyond their expectations...!
We should probably leave this episode here, suffice to say Ray “The Fish” & the Innkeeper did not discuss the game – indeed anything – too much on the journey home.
19.11.11 Grimsby Town v Newport County (2 – 2)
Official business was resumed against Newport. In a show of commitment, following confusion over flight times & a re-arrangement with Virgin Atlantic the logistics director flew in from Antigua @ 06:15 to Gatwick, the assistance of Sir Richard in this matter is gratefully acknowledged. The President collected him from Histon H.Q. @ 08:35.
Our leading lights after booking in at the Kingsway met up at Willy’s.
Bob was so enthused after watching the Mighty Mariners @ Cambridge Utd in the previous season he was determined to throw his lot into the cause of the Histon Mariners. Given “commitments” elsewhere, the Welfare & Recruitment Office, Mr Rule, has welcomed Bobs willingness to take over the West Midlands responsibility & in so doing easing his own burden.
The game itself – left in the capable hands of Messer’s Hurst & Scott – whilst disappointing ensured again that Fortress Blundell is slowly being rebuilt. The chairman in particular recognised this.
Despite the initial disappointment, Bob’s delight in becoming part of the Histon Mariners movement was self evident and his hopes & expectations especially for the west midlands were driven sky high on the warm welcome received at the Imperial Club.
Overall a successful venture was conducted. The Chairman on the morning after whilst recovering from his exertion stressed the need to “Keep the Faith”.
10.01.12 Cambridge UTD v Grimsby Town (0 – 1)
Expectations were rampant throughout East Anglia at the prospect of the Mighty Mariners visit. Ardent supporter of Jez George over many seasons with an appreciation of the “Blundell Experience” Tom typified the level of anticipation.
At the pre match preparations President Maurice attempted to pass on his considerable experience to Tom.
Newly appointed Bob Hines has taken has taken great pride in his position. He is clearly showing signs of becoming a major force in the Master Mariners cause.
Newcomer Scouse Ian (“I’ve always had a soft spot for Grimsby Town”) attended the match & spoke an awful lot about the cause. Bob Hines increasingly looking for a more prominent role spent time with Scouse Ian (S.I) assessing his potential – a role he took up whilst abscent Recruitment Officer Rule concentrated on other matters.
A momentous 0 – 1 victory to the Mariners was just rewards for an exhilarating performance. Rob Jones was visibly attempting to keep the Mariners on an even keel, whilst a frantic Jez George tried to inspire his Cambridge Side. Jez who was given considerable advice & support from the crowd behind him increasingly realised his team were doomed. An Elding wonder strike sealed yet another 3 points.
Overall a magnificent effort from the Mighty Mariners – Chairman Neville had predicted a change in fortune way back in November; his years of experience & insight has certainly proved a point. Meanwhile, Tom whilst disappointed in the result from his Cambridge viewpoint, was thrilled to have been part of the Mighty Mariners experience once again.
3.3.12 Grimsby Town v Braintree (1 - 1)
As pre-match preparations were being concluded, it transpired that the Beast of Bar Hill had commandeered The Dean for activities elsewhere. The remainder of our intrepid crew would press on regardless but the absence of The Dean would mean great care had to be taken when pushing fitness levels.
The Braintree fixture was eagerly anticipated, to such an extent that several stops were called for on the journey to Blundell.
The Chairman, despite his decades of experience also demonstrated a sense of anxiety and remarkable skill by taking a wrong turn (despite Sat Nav) at Wragby. As always, Neville was soon turning adversity into an opportunity – he would give Histon Mariners latest official appointment, Bob Hines, a nostalgic trip across the Wolds. Stories aplenty from the President and Chairman were forthcoming as they drove through Biscalthorpe, Grimblethorpe, Ludborough, Peebreak, Mablethorpe & North Thoresby. At the latter President Maurice was almost poetic as he recalled sessions at the Marquis of Granby, romantic liaisons at Village Hall dances and his days at the New Inn (a Hewitts House) his local up to the age of 26.
Not to be outdone Chairman Neville (Grainthorpe) recalled his military days and talked of the missile site at Northcote - further details were sparse bcause of The Official Secrets Act. At Tetney the Chairman enthralled everyone by recalling trips to The Plough where he often shared cream sodas with his Nan.
With sill emotions running high, on arrival at Cleethorpes base (the Kingsway Hotel) the President & Chairman arranged with Hotel Managers Chris & Dave Harris a sea view room for debutant Bob Hines in order to enhance his Mariners weekend.
Customary pre-match preparations ensued at the ever welcoming willys.
At Blundell, Mariners officials & players warmly welcome the Histon Mariners.
The President always keen to push the Youth Development Programme took time before the match to enthuse youngsters with his recollections of past glories and future developments.
Great friends of Histon Mariners drop into 'McMenemy's for inspiration to swap stories and invaluable intgelligence…
The Braintree game was an invaluable opportunity for Rob Jones and Paul Hurst to push for a play-off plaice. Ray the Fish and the Innkeeper recalled a memorable visit to Braintree in August, still disbelieving the outcome and warned everyone of over-confidence. Braintree being inspired by their visit to Blundell produced a frustrating afternoon for the Mighty Mariners to such an extent that it necessitated the Chairman pass on advice to the Mighty Mariners at half time.
Unfortunately, despite a Liam Hearn wonder strike the Mariners continued to be frustrated by Braintree – who have proven a real bogey team this season. However, the wider picture must be remembered – it is comforting to see a team so inspired by the Blundell experience. Ray the Fish and Innkeeper declare in unison that Braintree need to be forgotten about ASAP.
Post match analysis obviously began at the Imperial Club which erupted on the arrival of the Histon Mariners.
Imperial hostess Linda cannot contain her excitement at the arrival of the Histon Mariners. Linda has proven a great supporter of the Histon Mariners cause and always exudes a warm and friendly welcome.
The President was in a joyous mood, successive 'lemonades' exacerbated the mood. Unfortunately the Imperial nearly erupted when Maurice talked of Nigel Atkins being a GTFC player rather than Scunthorpe. Fortunately the excellent relationship with Imperial officials prevented the President from being embarrassingly evicted.
Histon Marniers left the Imperial in great heart and headed for Schooners.
Ken and Christine, owners of Schooners were on hand to welcome the Histon Mariners & Dave (aka Fatboy) a Schooner LegEnd discussed the world wide projects currently in progress.
Bobs enthusiasm continued unabated. The absence of the Recruitment Officer gave Bob a further opportunity to embroil himself into the Mariners cause.
At the Nottingham House exiled Scot Bill McAnderson anxiously awaited the arrival visit of Histon Mariners. An enormous crowd were waiting to hear from the Histon Mariners.
The President and Chairman took the opportunity to pass some of the limelight from themselves to others. Reluctantly the Innkeeper agreed to speak to the eager throngs.
Billy "Braveheart" McAnderson cannot wait for the return visit of the Histon Mariners....!
The Histon Mariners visit to the Nottingham House was such an enormous success, the President and Chairman instructed the Innkeeper to repeat his performance at the Smugglers. It took considerable persuasion of the Innkeeper to take up the mantle but in view of the importance of the occasion he 'reluctantly' agreed.
The Smugglers, a legendary sporting venue (Pool League Champions) certainly welcomes with considerable enthusiasm the Histon Mariners every time they visit.
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The Innkeeper thanks Smugglers Landlady Julie for her continued support. |
The President & Chairman had their thoughts presented to the eager throngs by the Innkeeper.
Enthusiastic recruits join the Innkeeper in celebration of the Histon Mariners cause. |
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An exceptional evening with resounding results and memories further cements the standing of the Histon Mariners in Cleethorpes.
31.3.12 Grimsby Town v Kidderminster (1 – 2)
Two crucial factors necessitated the Chairman and Logistics Director to travel up for the Kidderminster game for the day.
1) The Chairman's advice and thoughts were eagerly sought by Paul Hurst & Rob Jones for this crucial fixture. The Chairman agreed but reminded them of the overriding importance of longer term projects. It was crucial to focus long-term and not be over anxious about today.
2) Such has been the impact of the Histon Mariners movement in East Anglia, a growing demand for Willy's Original brewed at Cleethorpes HQ has been unquenchable.
Owner / Brewer Bill at Willy's has been a keen supporter of the Histon Mariners from the outset and has attempted to satisfy the demand.
Despite the enormous disappointment of the result, the chairman's wise pre-match words were to prove ever-enlightening. After brief refreshment at the Imperial Club, the journey everyone in East Anglia was keen to hear about was begun. Willy's Original would be arriving shortly....
28.4.12 Grimsby Town v Southport (0 - 1)
The last game of the season gave the President, Chairman, Fitness Guru, Recruitment Officer (West Midlands Division) and Logistics Director the ideal opportunity to reflect on the Intrepid Duo's first season and plan the 2012-13 Campaign.
Pre-match preparations enabled The Dean to reflect on his escape from Bar Hill.
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Margaret at Willy's, as particularly pleased to see The Dean back in action. She wished the Histon Mariners well and encouraged their support of Mr. Fenty.
At Blundel, Mr. Fenty was keen to thank the President and Chairman for their support and welcomed the good wishes from Margaret at Willy's. His only concern was the growing influence of the "Beast". Mr Fenty like the rest of us recognises the increasing importance of fitness and preparation levels, however the President and Chairman assured Mr Fenty that The Dean's normal level of service would soon be restored…
A relieved and relaxed Mr Fenty with our glorious leaders.
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Other Blundel legends were equally keen to be seen with the Histon Mariners.
Charlie L'Anson and Serge Makofo enthuse at the presence of The Dean, "Ex Mullet" Smith and the Inn Keeper thank John Boy for his continuing role in the Youth Development Programme.
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There was also a huge privilege in store for the Histon Mariners. Mr Lee Pearce, legendary life-long supporter, now a mere 80 years young, has been regularly following the Mighty Mariners since Atlee was Prime Minister. Since his first game at Blundell versus Bradford 1945, Lee has witnessed so much and fully recognises the work of the Histon Mariners and Mattie. His memories are immense from Wembley visits to Matt Tees , from Bill Shankly to Dave Boylen, from Dave Smith's Mullet to Hitman Hearn. Histon Mariners appreciate Lee's support and look forward with him to 2012-13.
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Just before kick-off The President passes on his vast experience to Bob
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Bob takes on board the wisdom passed on by the President as this snapshot of intense bewilderment shows.
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After the match the players took the opportunity to publically applaud the Histon Mariners causing Blundell to erupt in mutual admiration.
The result was secondary in the great scheme of things with optimism in the ascendancy for next season. The Chairman has long taught the benefits of long- term strategic planning and recognises the foundation stones put in place by Rob James and Paul Hurst.
At the Imperial post-match forum, Dave Boylen gave valuable time to show his support for the Histon Mariners, Dave was at one with our illustrious Chairman and was particularly optimistic about the forthcoming season.
Linda, as ever, a great supporter of the Histon Mariners wished the Innkeeper good luck on pre-season plans and promised her continued warm welcome at the Imperial Club next season.
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From the Imperial to Schooners, were no doubt "fat boy " would be excited about the imminent arrival of the Histon Mariners. However, Bob Hines soon went into recruitment overdrive. At Schooners Bob laboured the cause of the Histon Mariners to Adam and Mel. It was readily apparent that Adam was constantly in the dog house as Mel recalled extraordinary details about the birth of daughter Brooke Maia.
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Mel explained in graphic details her 20 hours labour, the emergency c-section and the three full epidurals. The story of the eventual arrival of the 7lb 1oz Brooke had Bob in a state of total astonishment to the extent that he couldn’t recall where Lewis and mental health figured in the story.
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Bobs dedication to the Histon Mariners was never more illustrated in his recruitment of Mel & Brooke "poor old Adam".
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After recovering from the extraordinary labours at Schooners, the Scottish enclave of Billy McAnderson at the Nottingham appeared invitingly on the horizon
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The Chairman is greeted by Billy, who was most concerned at the emergence of the Beast of Bar Hill.
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The Dean toasts the absence of The Beast and ensures everybody that his commitment is unwavering. He even hints at a future appearance of "The Beast of Bar Hill".
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Billy pleaded with the President and Bob to get the Innkeeper to say a few words to the eager throngs. The President reluctantly explains such performances are rare and probably the better for it.
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The Chairman reflects on the past season whilst recuperating at the Smugglers.
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The Chairman's few and learned words are always much appreciated and Julie the landlady cannot wait to hear him.
2011-12 season ends as a fundamental building block for future success. The Histon Mariners look forward to 2012-13 with many plans already in an embryonic phase and Matties foreign recruitment programme in full swing.
Stop Press :
- Since the season end, after the news of The Deans progress emerged.
- A Celebratory Gala Dinner was held by the Histon Mariners on 02/6/2012
- Published here, a world scoop, is official correspondence from the Beast of Bar Hill.
- Obviously the world will be kept in touch with any further news.
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The "Beast" appears determined to be involved in the Histon Mariners cause.
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The Chairman attempts to negotiate with “the Beast” with a view to next season.
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Keep The Faith!
UTM
Up The Mariners!
Thanks to css zen garden for the layout.