Many sportsmen profess little interest in personal achievement, citing satisfaction gained from their contribution to the team as their main driving force.

Listen to Ashes hero Alister Cook heap praise on England’s bowlers, or Northampton and England try-scoring phenomenon Chris Ashton ‘big up’ his forwards, and you soon get the idea.

Hearing Stourbridge Saxons’ record-breaking winger Ali Bressington speak modestly but honestly about his recent achievements, is therefore a refreshing experience.

During his club’s recent defeat at Blaydon, on the occasion of his 100th appearance, 31-year-old Bressington became the first Saxon to pass the 1000-point mark.

And there is no doubt that former Gloucestershire county cricket professional Bressington, who once caught West Indies’ wicket keeper Carlton Baugh off Steve Harmison whilst acting as England’s twelfth man in a test match, is delighted with what he has achieved.

He said: “Sportsmen who say they don’t look at their stats are lying, and for me this is very pleasing.

“I am picked to kick goals, and have been doing so for the six seasons I have played at Stourbridge, and this is an important part of my contribution to the team.

“Although I knew I was close to the thousand, and had passed Ben Harvey’s previous Stourbridge club record, I had lost track of exactly how many points I had until I read it in the programme.

“I am fortunate to play at a club where they put me in positions to kick goals and score tries, but I don’t deny it is a very nice thing for me.

“A couple of big-scoring games stand out; I managed 36 points at Westcombe Park a few years back, and I remember getting 32 at Bradford & Bingley.

“But some of the real nail-biters are also memorable, because they are great games to play in. For instance, last season, when we turned London Scottish over in front of a big crowd at home, was fantastic.

“I plan to keep going until the body packs in. I am a PE teacher at King’s Gloucester, and school does put some pressure on me to work on Saturdays, but at the moment they are very understanding.”

After the disappointment of Saturday’s frozen fixture at Launceston, Bressington will be hoping to add more points to his tally when Blackheath arrive at Stourton Park this weekend.

By Paul Smith