Dave Williams Celebrates 100 Games
Club Captain, Dave Williams, will play his 100th game for the London Skolars, when they take on Pilkington Recs in the Cup Tie game this Saturday.
Williams made his professional debut for Harlequins rugby league in 2008 and later debuted for the London Skolars at Dewsbury Rams in January 2010.
The tireless forward has made 18 Super League appearances over that time and is the pin up boy for rugby league in London, having been born and bred in London and progressing through the development pathway to Super League.
It was only by chance that Williams discovered rugby league but despite this it didn’t take long for him to fall in love with the game.
“I got free tickets to a London Broncos game and went along with my dad and I fell in love with the game from there. So much so that I signed up to my local junior club not long after,’’ says Williams.
Despite being new to the sport and not being gifted with as many natural talents as some of the other kids around him, Williams progressed through the junior elite rugby league academies in London before being contracted with the London Harlequins Rugby League Club.
Many who know him will tell you that this is typical of Dave. An understated legionnaire, who grafts his way to success with a sheer willingness and discipline to do the hard yards, without a fuss.
His toughness and durability is highlighted by the fact that of his 100 games he will have played, he was selected and played 96 times on the starting side, with only 4 appearances from the bench.
Ever a man of honour and a leader of men, you won’t find him singing his own praises.
“I’m not the most vocal captain. I’m not a big talker, I leave that for the halfbacks. They always have lots to say. I’m more about leading by my actions on and off the field and sharing my experience and things I’ve learned along the way with the younger players in the squad,” he says.
Discussing this milestone, Williams recounts back to his early playing days as a junior and is proud of the opportunities available today for kids to play rugby league in London.
“I remember when I first started playing there were only three or four rugby league clubs in London and now there’s a lot more. I know at Skolars we’ve got a growing juniors and minis section as part of our award winning community department, so there’s definitely been a lot more activity and opportunity for kids to play rugby league, which I think is great,’’ he says.
This weekend brings up 100 games for Williams but it’s also a Cup-Tie and Williams has no doubts about what he expects from the opposition and his team.
“It’ll be a tough game. They’ll be a good team but for us it’s more about worrying about how we prepare and what we’re doing. We’re all really looking forward to a great game,’’ says Williams.
“It’s an honour to play 100 games for the London Skolars, it’s something I’m really proud of and pleased to have achieved with this great club,’’ he says.
No doubt it is such humility and determinedness that has helped him navigate his career and guide him towards achieving this special milestone.
Kick-off is at 2.30pm,Saturday 27th Feb at the Pilkington Rec ARLFC, Ruskin Drive St Helens, Merseyside WA10 6RP.
Tickets are £5 for adults and £2 for concession.
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Next Skolars Home Game:
Saturday 12th March
Skolars v Oxford RL
New River Sport & Fitness
Tickets online skolarsstag.wpengine.com/tickets
