A VETERAN Ripon rugby player has completed an incredible 1,200 appearances for his club.

Johnny Williamson reached the milestone when he appeared in the second row for the Ripon third team in their 58-0 victory over Heath Old Boys, from Halifax, last Saturday.

The 51-year-old, who made his senior debut aged 16, marked the occasion with a try.

He told the D&S Times: "I have no intention of giving up yet. I'm still enjoying it and I'm just hoping to keep free of injuries."

The former club captain had his son Daniel playing alongside him at outside centre when he passed the landmark and his younger son Simon will be able to play for the club next year when he is 16.

"It will be nice if we can all play in the same team, but I don't know what state I'll be in by then," said the self-employed plumber, who was on course to reach the target last season, but missed a few games through injury and holidays.

He played his first game for Ripon alongside fellow debutant Peter Squires, the former England and British Lions international.