TODAY (Saturday, 29 November) is a special one for a stalwart of Thurrock Rugby Club.

The Men's 1st XV clash against East London at Oakfield marks a huge milestone for Nathaniel "Nat" Farrell who will make his 200th appearance for the Tees.

A stalwart of the club for more than 15 seasons, Nat becomes only the second player since records began in 2009 to reach this landmark.

Since making his league debut away at Harlow in 2008, Nat has gone on to score an incredible 85 tries, making him the club's leading try scorer in that period—edging out fellow club greats Jake Barrand and Brad Retigan.

Nat played a pivotal role in Thurrock's two league title-winning seasons.

In 2010, a youthful side coached by Jamie Daisley and Butch Wilkins stormed to the London 2 North East title (now Counties 1 Essex), losing just once, with Nat crossing for 16 tries.

He matched that tally again in 2012, as Tees regained their place in National League Rugby — once more losing only one match all season.

When the club faced tough times and relegation in 2014, Nat was among the loyal core of homegrown players who stayed, helping stabilise the side back in London 1 North.

A serious knee injury sidelined him for the entire 2015–16 season, during which he turned his energy to coaching the U7s, including his son, Caleb.

Nat returned to action for two more seasons in black and white before departing in 2018 for a resurgent Dagenham side, whom he captained with great success as they climbed to London 2 Anglia — eventually facing and defeating Thurrock at Oakfield.

Last season, Nat made his long-awaited return to Thurrock ranks, featuring for the first time in five years away at Beckenham. Though unable to prevent relegation, he played a major role in Thurrock's strong finish, culminating in victory in the Papa John's Shield.

As well as his caps for Thurrock, Nat has also played over 50 games for Essex Men as well as representing his country in Karate on 41 occasions

Now vice-captain of a new-look side aiming for an immediate return to Level 6, Nat continues to set the standard. Currently leading the try-scoring charts with eight tries, the veteran winger shows no signs of slowing down.

After last week's emphatic win at Maldon, Thurrock will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table today.

Other matches featuring borough clubs include Thurrock's Counties 1 Essex neighbours Stanford-le-Hope going to Chingford, where a win could put them above their seventh-placed hosts.

Elsewhere Thames host Rochford Hundred in Essex Two and Pegasus Palmerians are home to Chelmsford seconds in Essex One. Thurrock Seconds are home to Westcliff Seconds, also in Essex One. 

Tomorrow (Sunday, 30 November) Thurrock T-Birds will travel to Southampton to take on Trojans in the Championship South at Stoneham Park.