Kevin Hymas; A true legend of Thurrock Sport.

A student at William Edwards school,an outstanding cricketer and goal-keeper, he always had a smile on his face and was always the first to turn up for a game.

As a teenager Kevin started to cone down to Thurrock Rugby Club and was very friendly with the likes of Mick Leckenby, Peter Worsfold, Ray Page and Austin Fitzmaurice. His great friends Mark Suckling, Martin Fahey and Ryland Evans and Glyn Barnett had all been to Aveley Tech.

At the club, he met up with the Welsh contingent several of whom had taught him and, when the first team toured Wales he came as a supporter.

When we were short of props,he played against Cefneithin, Barry John's old club and made an immediate impact by taking the first kick-off! Not unexpected from a superb cricketer! He went on to be a very good first team prop and brilliant club man.

Having been a long-serving touch judge and team manager, it was hardly surprising that he became Chairman and was made a life-member. He was indeed,one of the best "club men" the club has ever known.

I was privileged to have been one of his teachers, team- mates,and co managers over the years. My abiding memory will always be of the Norwich Sevens in 1973 when he travelled as reserve and team manager.

In the torrential rain,we won the tournament and arrived back at 5 in the morning! Young Kevin was the life and soul of the trip and even managed a report for The Gazette the next day!

He has done an incredible job as team manager! So sad! A great man. Ralph