BRIDGWATER and Albion stalwart Dan Kemmish made his 350th first team appearance in the recent away victory at Teignmouth – a rare achievement in the modern era of the game, writes Richard Walsh.

Kemmish, who will be 41 in May, made his debut for the Albion back in 2003 since when he has rarely missed a match.

It has been unusual to go to an Albion game over the past 13 plus seasons and not see Kemmish giving his normal 100% and playing whatever role is demanded.

He is now the club captain and a perfect role model to all players - both old and young.

Kemmish took up the game when he joined Albion Minis and Juniors and extended his knowledge at Haygrove School.

In senior terms, he started with Morganians in 1995/6 before joining North Petherton the following season. 

Kemmish has remained loyal despite the changes of fortunes that the Club has endured during his time and is now playing his part in helping to rebuild Bridgwater & Albion.

Mike Berry the BARFC president said: “It is to his and their credit that he rallied the younger players and galvanised them into re-establishing pride and resistance. 

“He has assisted in marshalling a younger and less experienced team through these various turmoils and we have been able to consolidate at Level 6 over these last few seasons in our second bout of playing at this level.” 

Head coach Simon Morrell is another who paid tribute to his skipper.

“Dan is a special guy - he absolutely loves his rugby and is incredibly humble,” he said.

“He was comfortably one of the better back five players around when Bridgy were in National 2; when things took a turn for the worse he stuck with the Club through thick and thin and has contributed a great deal to ensure the club are now on a stable footing.

“He epitomises all the value we love about our game and at the age of nearly 41 he is still the first name on the team sheet.

“He is a proper legend in these parts and an absolute joy to have played with and later coached with!

“He has made the move to Bridgy a real pleasure for me personally. Let's hope he has another few years under his belt.”

Away from his passion for rugby Kemmish works as a firefighter with the Devon and Somerset Fire Service where has secured representative honours with both the local Service side and with England and UK Fire Services teams whom he has both captained.

Berry added: “Dan has now arrived in the top 20 of all-time Bridgwater & Albion 1st XV appearances. 

“No wonder the congratulations have rung in from all over the world from playing contemporaries.”