MERSEA PAIR REACH 40 NOT OUT [13/06/07 04:22:41]

Congratulations to West Mersea's veteran paring of Mel Hughes and Mick Laver who both recently reached the career milestone of 40 years since their debuts for the Islanders.

Wicket-keeper Hughes has become the club's leading runscorer, catcher (with almost 500 catches), and, perhaps not unsurprisingly, has made the most appearances. It is also highly likely that he holds the record for being kippered most by the notorious Mersea 'Shooter'.

On the other hand, all-rounder Laver has gone on to become the leading wicket taker and remains the only bowler with over 1000 wickets for the club. This suggests that he has played far more times away from home than on the 'pud'!

They have both got a fair way to go before they are able to eclipse the record of our own El Presidente Edgar Rumney who featured in 48 consecutive seasons between 1953 and 2000 before his career was brought to a sad and abrupt end following a mishap whilst holidaying with John Ward when he tripped over the latter's nose whilst boarding a bus.