LONG-SERVING scrum half Harry Branch will reach 200 appearances for Southend Saxons this weekend.

Branch has enjoyed two separate spells with his hometown club.

And cannot wait to reach his landmark when he takes on Tring at Warners Bridge tomorrow.

“It’s a very surreal feeling and can honestly say I really didn’t expect to have played as many games as I have,” said Branch.

“I’m chuffed to bits to be in such a select group of lads playing that many games for the first team.”

Branch has enjoyed two separate spells with Southend, lasting 11 years in total.

But he still relishes lining up for the same club his father Nigel played for during his own career.

“I have been at the club since I was around a week old according to my dad, so it’s always been the place I wanted to play at,” said Branch.

“My dad was quite ill during last year, so it always felt very special to put on the same shirt he used to wear.

“I only live around five to 10 minutes away from the club which always makes the cold evenings a little easier to get to as well!”

Branch has enjoyed a number of memorable moments since breaking into the first team.

But it was last season’s success which remains his favourite/ “Winning everything last year was epic,” said Branch.

“I was lucky enough to not lose a game at all during that period after not getting picked in the very first game.

“But honestly, winning and scoring at Twickenham I feel just cannot be beaten.

“All of us celebrated hard together for about three days afterwards.”

However, Branch still hopes to enjoy more memorable moments, starting with this weekend’s clash.

“I’m firstly hoping the game goes ahead as it’s suppose to be bloody cold,” said Branch.

“Tring at their place played very well down the hill and it felt like climbing up Everest playing up the hill!

“We were able to break them down in the second half scoring 30 plus unanswered points.

“I’m sure they will be keen to put us under pressure, but I’m expecting us to go after them from minute one.”

Southend go into the game sitting eighth in Regional One South East with Tring in fourth.