The very essence of non-League football was captured perfectly on Saturday at Bemerton Heath Harlequins for their Pitching In Southern League Division One South clash with fellow play-off hopefuls, Exmouth Town.
Amongst the travelling contingent was a group on a Stag Do, led by Best Man, Gary Elston, who takes up the story.
“We put together an action-packed weekend for Groom, Mark Tanton, ahead of his forthcoming nuptials,” he told us. “It began on Friday with a trip up to Bristol where we watched the band, Stiff Little Fingers, and an overnight stay before heading to Bemerton the following morning.
“We couldn’t have been made any more welcome by the home club; their hospitality before, during and after the game was absolutely first-class, just what football at this level is all about and on Non-League Day too.
“We sponsored the game and as an extra surprise, we arranged for Mark to lead the Exmouth team out as mascot, presenting him with the news – and his full kit – half-an-hour before kick-off!
“Bemerton were even kind enough to lend me one of their kits so I could hold his hand and lead the teams out with him – I doubt there would have been two mascots as old as us anywhere in the country over the weekend!
“It was great fun and just added to the whole occasion. The result may have not gone our way in the end as we went down to a 1-0 defeat, but we had a fantastic time and can’t thank our hosts enough for making it extra special.
“Another overnight stay followed before we headed back to Devon on Sunday afternoon, a little worse for wear, it has to be said!”
Exmouth Town face another big game on Saturday as they host Bishops Cleeve, whilst Bemerton Heath Harlequins go to leaders, Yate Town, as things really start to hot up at both ends of the table in Division One South.
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