Wednesday, March 26, 2008

The Battle Commences!!!

Before we get in t’ nitty gritty of the Basford Invasion of some far flung wet and windy place in t’ middle of nowhere!!! over the Easter weekend. A few thanks are in order.
(1+1) Paula and Tina for setting the whole thing up, without them putting in a lot of hours and leg work this wouldn’t have got of the ground.
(1+1) Mandy at the Yorkshire RFUW for all the work she put in, helping (1+1) arrange things from t’ Northern end.
(1+1) all those girls who along with the many spectators turned out on a bitterly cold day (1+1) play/watch some great rugby.
(1+1) the staff at Malton &Norton RFU who made us feel at home from the moment we arrived and allowed us (1+1) completely take over their club house for the day/evening.

And finally (1+1) all the Basford Girls for making it a fun weekend.


Summary of the Invasion
Just before dawn broke, the massed hoards of the Basford invasion force boarded their battle bus and crept cat like along the A1 towards their intended target.(cos Rob the driver got scared if he went over 50mph)
Having stopped (1+1) try out their battle plans on the small community of Blyth Moto services, the invasion force quickly and efficiently stripped the service area of all edible rations (well one of the U18 forwards did)

then re boarded the battle bus and made the final leg of the journey in(1+1) the unknown.
Preparations for the invasion were going on in earnest aboard the battle bus with the advance “welcoming party” practicing the local dialect ready (1+1) blend in. Cries of “Aye reet” and “Tha Knows” could be heard being recited over and over.

As the morning wore on, you could cut the tension inside the battle bus with a butter knife, and before (1+1) long; the first glimpse of the intended battlefield came into view through the sleet and snow.

Having bravely traversed the snow covered North Yorks Moors and evaded detection from RAF Fylingdales early warning station, the invasion force arrived in Boggle hole.
The battle bus was camouflaged and left up top of t’ hill while the hardy troops then yomped the considerable distance down steep paths (1+1) their base camp.

The Officers, ( well Gavin, Simon, Paul, Steve and Myself) quickly set up our quarters and decided the best plan of attack was (1+1) let every one else get on with it while we lounged about on the sofa’s drinking tea and eating choccy biscuits. (that’s code for planning the next stage)

Our summit was interrupted when Phil ”Flintstone” French somehow managed (1+1) get past our sentry and inform us that we were needed up top as without us the others didn’t have a clue (Nowt new there then!!!!).

The rest of the day saw the troops settling in and readying for battle.

As the afternoon wore on rumours spread that Paul “I’m a Psycho on the booze” Carmen had being “spirited” away by a boggle.
Commander Scott who like his brave forefather didn’t hesitate (1+1) venture out into the cold and ably assisted by his trusty sidekick Phil ”The Judge” Robson they set of across the cliff tops (1+1) try and infiltrate the nearby encampment of Robin Hoods Bay and (1+1) bring their compatriot safely home.

Some hours later, having evaded the clutches of the locals in their hostelries and having tried out their well prepared disguises by conversing with the local chippy owner our intrepid rescue party returned (1+1) camp suffering from severe frostbite and exposure which was swiftly countered with more cups of hot tea and choccy biccies.

Later that evening the troops having polished of the cordon bleu dishes on offer in the mess tent, gathered in the main hall and sang some hearty rousing battle songs around the Karaoke machine.
Commander Scott quickly came up with a cunning plan, which was (1+1) send out Nat “tone deaf” McClarnon as an advance party (1+1) scare the Yorkshire folk with her Banshee Howling.
Battle plans were discussed late into the night over copious cup of hot chocolate ( well the drinks were brown in colour), before the troops retired (1+1) their bunks ready for battle.


(1+1) BE CONTINUED