WHEN John and Margaret Verity decided to name their son Hedley, thereby giving him one of the most famous names in Yorkshire sport, they placed a heavy burden on him. Like Austin Healey - and the boy named Sue made famous by Johnny Cash - young Hedley (above) has had a lot to live up to.

But tomorrow, not-quite-so-young Verity's ability to handle the job is confirmed with another important milestone when he becomes the player with most National League appearances to his credit for any club. He runs out for the 220th time for Wharfedale in the game against Bracknell, an achievement made all the more meritorious by the unflinching, totally committed way he has always played.

He will doubtless receive the full flowing fanfare of a vivacious verbal tribute from Ian Douglass over the PA system at The Avenue and every decibel will have been richly deserved and very hard-earned.

Of course tomorrow's record will be broken with every time he steps onto the pitch in the Green shirt, and eventually, when age finally wearies him and the years condemn him to a watching brief, some 30-something upstart will claim his place in the record books.

But tomorrow, Hedley Verity claims a special niche in the pantheon of Wharfedale and without doubt his cricketing namesake would have applauded alongside tomorrow's audience.