Thurrock Captain Charlie Russo will join an exclusive group of players to feature in 200 games when he leads out his Team against Leighton Buzzard on Saturday.

Charlie Russo was one of an outstanding group of players who learned their trade at William Edwards School under the guidance of brilliant coach, Martin Eyles as well as the tutelage of Craig Ribbons and Steve Ferrier in Thurrocks youth teams. Indeed with team- mates Ben Timson, Ben Stanley, Aaron Burns, Reece Cunningham and Rees Collins, this team reached the Quarter-Finals of the England Sevens having been one of the top teams in the county through their early years for both school and club.

Charlie was also an integral part of the successful Colts class of 2007 alongside many of his school team as well as the likes of Dan Carey & Ellis Goldsmith, all future 1st XV players

Making his First Team debut at 18 in March 2007, Charlie was lost to rugby for a couple of seasons, but returned to action to be part of the team that won promotion to the National Leagues in the 2011-2012 season forming a formidable backrow alongside fellow William Edwards Alumni Ben Timson & Brad Retigan.

A tremendous open field runner, this builder, paradoxically knocks down brickwalls and perhaps should be known as a " Demolition Expert"!

In the past with Cup games on Sundays and over 40 games a season, it was relatively easy to achieve this "Holy Grail", but in the current era this is a magnificent achievement!

With his wife, Sally, a First Team coach, they have become a formidable partnership.

Charlie's uncompromising style is inspirational to his team- mates and he deserves all the accolades he gets.

Here's to the next 200, Charlie!
Congratulations and thank you for all you have done for Thurrock Rugby.