THURROCK Rugby Football Club stalwart, Ben Stanley reaches a proud landmark today (Saturday, 23 October) when he plays his 150th Thurrock game against Norwich.

This is a record very few get to achieve and is greatly deserved by this fine clubman.

Ben Stanley is the oldest of the legendary Stanley family, nephew of famous All Black, Joe, who won the World Cup with New Zealand in 1987.

Ben was a fine attacking scrum-half at William Edwards School and was inspirational alongside Ben Timson and current captain, Charlie Russo as the school team won the Essex Sevens and reached the All England Quarter Finals!

Although Mike and Sam went on to International honours with England (and of course, Mike played for Samoa in the 2015 World Cup) Ben was the first to make his senior mark with Bedford. Indeed, when asked to play for Thurrock, a Bedford game prevented him making his debut and ,instead younger brother, Mike, stepped in to precede Ben in Thurrock colours.

Nevertheless, Ben made his first appearance in 2007 and has proudly represented his club ever since.

Ben's longevity has meant that he has played a major part on Thurrock's success, winning three League championships and one Essex Cup. He was an important part of the team that swept all before them to gain promotion to National Three, where he played alongside brother Mike. In the pre-Covid season he enjoyed a couple of seasons with younger brother, Sam.

Over the years, Ben has been prepared to help with numerous aspects of club life, whether it be coaching the Juniors, helping out at William Edwards or the splendid media work that he heads up. A family man as well, Ben Stanley represents everything that is good about rugby and deserves all the accolades he gets.

Playing as well as ever, with power and precision, Ben will wear the "Black and White" shirt for the 150th time against Norwich this weekend and we are all hoping he has a day to remember!