Greenwich Mariners

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Greenwich Mariners

Logo

Entered BCAFL

2004-2005

Team Colors

Black & Blue

Universities

University of Greenwich

Home Field

Crystal Palace Stadium

Division

Southern Conference-Eastern Division

Record

9-6-0

Playoff Record

0-1-0

Playoff Appearances (1)
2006

Division Championships (1)
2006

Conference Championships (0)
n/a

BCAFL Championships (0)
n/a

The Greenwich Mariners are a British Collegiate American Football League (BCAFL) team who compete in the Southern Conference's Eastern Division.

The Greenwich Mariners were founded in 2003 by John Mellett and Martin Boffey, who was to become the club's first head coach. The Mariners name was chosen due to Greenwich's historical links with maritime trade and naval exploration.

Following the club's foundation, the Mariners were granted Associate Membership status to the BCAFL and played two qualification games- the first against a Kent Select Team, comprised of players from Kent Exiles and the KCU Falcons in November 2003. A second game against the UEA Pirates was played in February 2004. Despite the Mariners losing both games, they were voted in to the BCAFL as full members at the September 2004 AGM.

The club's first season in the BCAFL saw the club finish with a 3-4 record with two victories against the APU Phantoms and a thrilling road victory against the Leicester Lightning.

At the end of the club's inaugural BCAFL season, several squad members were elected to the BCAFL All College Team- Linebacker Robert Stewart and Offensive Tackle Alex Roberts made the first team and Defensive Linemen Steve Clements and James Kingston made the second team.

Martin Boffey stood down at the end of the season and was replaced by defensive co-ordinator Matt Coppinger as the new head coach. Coppinger quickly put together a talented coaching staff comprising of former College Bowl Winners, Great Britain Internationals and former NCAA and BCAFL players and coaches.

The 2005-06 season started in slow fashion with an ugly 4-0 win versus APU Phantoms and then a poor loss to division rivals Essex. However, the Mariners showed their team spirit and bounced back to beat Kent 26-0 and then turnover Essex 35-6 in the years best performance. After the Christmas break, the Mariners again started slowly with a 27-0 loss to powerhouse Hertfordshire. Again the team clawed their way back with victories against UEA 12-0, APU 34-0 and Brighton 30-2. The Mariners won the competitive South East Division in only their 2nd year and made the playoffs. An experienced Bristol side travelled to Crystal Palace Stadium and put together a gritty performance to run out winners 22-6. All round star Firas Iskandarani was voted Team MVP, while Ade Balogun and Paul Crawford collected Defensive and Offensive MVPs respectively.