400 not out for Bridgwater's Kemmish
On the first Saturday of November each year, thousands of people descend on Bridgwater Carnival in Somerset to mark the anniversary of the Gunpowder Treason Plot.
But this year you’d have forgiven patrons of Bridgwater & Albion Rugby Club, just a mile away, for choosing to celebrate the 400-game milestone of Dan Kemmish, over the 414-year anniversary of Guy Fawkes.
Kemmish brought up a quadruple century of first team games for Bridgwater & Albion when he captained them against Devonport Services last month, and despite a 40-24 loss, the occasion was marked fittingly.
“It was surreal; you don’t set out to play 400 games, but it’s been on the horizon for a couple of seasons now, so to finally get there was a very proud moment,” said the 43-year-old.
“It was an away game against top of the league and they found out about the milestone late on, but still presented me with a bottle after the game, which was a lovely touch. I knew it was coming, so it was nice to plan it and get my parents and friends along to support me on the day too.”
Kemmish made his first team debut for Bridgwater & Albion 16 years ago, during a 13-8 loss to Cleve in the RFU Intermediate Cup.
And after 17 seasons spanning four leagues, he’s played across the country from Penzance to North Walsham, enjoying every second.
“The season after I joined we were promoted into what is today National Two South – level four,” said Kemmish. “It was nice to play at that level and travel a bit of the country. We’ve dropped a few levels now, but every season has been a challenge and that is what keeps me going.”
A fireman by trade, Kemmish credits his work at Devon & Somerset Rescue Service for his rugby longevity, and says clashes between work and play have been mostly avoided. Often he will play a game at 3pm and dash to work for 6pm…and if he’s down for a day shift?
“I book it off and then just have to work around it,” he added. “I just try to take all the leave I can in advance. Everyone else at work knows they can’t get Saturday’s off basically!”
Kemmish and his Bridgwater & Albion team mates are able to celebrate these milestones because of President Mike Berry, who keeps a weekly record of stats that are published in every home programme, although the second-row’s try-scoring tally (16) is less impressive than his appearance rate.
Kemmish attends one of two weekly training sessions, which is understandable, because admittedly it takes him longer to recover between games. And although he may have lost a yard of pace, his competitive edge and appetite to continue playing remains as sharp as ever.
“I’m going to try and keep going,” he explained. “You’re told that when you get to a certain age you cannot play anymore. I’ve seen youngsters getting to the end of their twenties and assume they’re getting toward the end of their careers, but it’s just a number. Listen to your body and go with how you feel.
“It would be too hard for me to walk away from rugby completely, so keeping some involvement whenever I do start to slow down would be good, whether that’s 2s, 3s or vets. I’ll play wherever I’m selected.”
Kemmish's Bridgwater story looks set to continue for seasons to come, though how many in their 1st XV remains unclear. Three more could see him bring up the 500 mark - a bridge too far?
Perhaps not.
