A LONG-SERVING Ripon rugby player is closing in on a landmark number of senior appearances for the club.

Johnny Williamson, who will be 51 in July, is only ten games short of playing in a staggering 1,200 matches for his home town club.

Now playing in the third team alongside his 17-year-old son Daniel, the former club captain was a member of Ripon's first team for more than 20 years after making his senior debut at the age of 16 against Baildon.

Also playing his first game for Ripon that day was Peter Squires, who went on to become an England and British Lions international. The pair were born next door to each other and have been friends all their lives.

Johnny, who has lost none of his enthusiasm for the sport, is looking forward to reaching the milestone. He said: "There are about 14 games left this season so, barring injuries, I should do it this year."

In recent games he has been playing at inside centre, with Daniel as his partner on his outside, but also plays in the forwards depending on who is available.

Daniel also plays for Ripon grammar school's first team and his father is pleased with the progress he is making. He is also enjoying building up an understanding with him on the pitch.

"He's coming on well. It takes a while to get used to playing with someone, but he runs good straight lines.

"I still feel a bit protective towards him, but he can look after himself."

Johnny, who also has a 14-year-old son, Simon, at Ripon grammar school, has many happy memories of his time with the club.

He picked out winning the Yorkshire Shield and the opening of the new clubhouse by a Peter Squires XV as particular highlights.

His work as a self-employed plumber helps to keep him fit and he has no intention of retiring after he passes 1,200 games.

Johnny, whose father was also a Ripon captain, is grateful that he has been given the opportunity to enjoy such a long career in the sport he loves.

He said: "I've been lucky with injuries. Some people get one bad injury which forces them to stop, but although I've broken various bones, I've always bounced back."

If his luck holds just a few weeks longer, he will soon be celebrating a remarkable achievement.