LONG-SERVING Lydney legend Paul Kiely has been praised by club stalwart Colin Henderson after making his 300th appearance for the club last weekend.

Kiely, 39, made his debut for the Severnsiders 20 years ago in the back row and reached the milestone in Lydney’s 38-0 defeat at Ivybridge, coming off the bench to slot in at second row.

Kiely was just 19 when he began his time with the club, scoring a try on his debut against Stroud, and Henderson hailed the clubman’s impact.

“He started in the back row alongside Welsh international Rhodri Lewis and Keith Davis,” Henderson said.

“That was a mean back row Lydney had and he formed one of the best second row partnerships we ever had with Jimmy Roberts.

“He’s always been ready to help Lydney. He’s a long way behind the likes of John Morris, who has 500 appearances, and Nick Nelmes on 490, and Paul Price has around 400, but they all played when the league had 40 games a season.

“He deserves the accolades and he’s still willing to help out now at 39 years of age.

“He never looks for an excuse not to play or drop out but reasons to play. He had injuries – he tore his thumb practically off at Redruth and he was back within two weeks.”

Kiely made a handful of appearances for Gloucester United at the peak of his powers and represented the county as well as the South West’s Under-21 side.

He captained Lydney to two county cup wins over Cinderford at Kingsholm as well as helping the Regentsholme club reach and stay in the National Leagues for over a decade.

“He became a fixture in the side for nine or 10 seasons and he’s a hell of a leader,” Henderson added.

“He wasn’t the best player but up there with the best captains this club has had.

“He was inspirational; a great influence and in making 300 appearances he has always been there or thereabouts with the first team.

“He had a way of talking to referees too – never in a way that would influence their decisions, but he could always calm things down.

“He leads by example even now.”