A SPECIAL presentation was made to local cricket legend Kevin Russell before a recent game which saw him make his 1,000th appearance for the former Horrington Cricket Club and now Wells and Horrington Cricket Club.
The 20-over friendly, away against Axbridge CC, came 44 years after his initial appearance for the then Horrington CC.
Known for his flighty off-spin bowling and affable personality, Kevin, aged 64, has long been well-regarded within the Somerset cricketing community.
His 1979 debut for Horrington was against Wells Rugby Club at the Athletic Ground in which he batted at number seven. This was the first match of a re-formed club 29 years after it was disbanded at the end of the 1950 season.
He made 994 appearances for Horrington before this season’s merger with Wells to form the Wells and Horrington Cricket Club.
The highest score during his 1,000 games was 71 not out, and his best bowling figures 7-24.
In the game against Axbridge on May 31, Kevin opened both the batting and bowling, scoring one run and taking a wicket with his final ball, as Wells and Horrington ran out comfortable winners.
“I hope to carry on for a while pending injuries though greatly struggling in the field,” he said.
“Several club cricketers have exceeded 1,000 appearances in the past but how many in the modern era of conflicting interests and time constraints will do so in the future?”
• Wells and Horrington CC’s Horrington Day on Bank Holiday Monday was well supported, and raised £2,263. There was a cake stall, a barbecue and bar, games, a raffle, and live music from Ross Kirk.