Club captain Ally Vanner and his predecessor Jonny Williams, hugely influential figures in OEs’ rise up the league pyramid in recent seasons, have both announced their retirement after helping the club consolidate their position in National Two South.

The pair have been hampered with injury this season, and with eyes focused firmly on the future, family and work commitments, they have elected to call it a day.

“There are mixed emotions, of course, but to be honest I feel very content because I know it’s the right decision,” says the 35-year-old Vanner. “I had contemplated retiring last year but Gav (Lach) talked me out of it. But I knew in my hearts of hearts that this was going to be my last season, the time is right.

“I’ve discussed with Gav about getting involved in some capacity next season, hopefully working with the younger players. So in a way it doesn’t feel as though I am retiring, rather making a transition to other areas away from playing.”

During a senior career spanning almost 20 years, Vanner established a reputation as one of the most respected locks and skilled lineout operators in the National Leagues.

Starting his senior career with Sudbury at the age of 17, he progressed to Rosslyn Park, Camberley and then Blackheath where he made 213 appearances in 11 years at the Rectory Field before joining Elthamians in September 2012.

He took over the Elthamians captaincy from Williams in 2013 and led the club to promotion from National Three in the 2013/14 season.

Williams’ OEs career has come full circle. After coming up through the junior section from the age of 10, he switched codes as a senior and enjoyed a successful professional rugby league career with St Helens, London Broncos, Harlequins and Halifax.

A brief spell at Blackheath followed before he became one of Gavin Lach’s first signings at Elthamians in 2010.

A dynamic runner and punishing tackler, Williams’ versatility has seen him play in a number of positions across the backline. An almost reckless disregard for his own safety on the field is one of the main reasons why he has elected to go out on his own terms after Saturday’s match.

“It’s been a huge decision to make,” he says “because it’s not through a lack of desire. I know I could go on and perform and I still love playing. But I simply can’t afford to keep getting injured and busting up my hands.

“I’ve had a fantastic time at Elthamians and I have nothing but great memories. But I work as a stone mason, work is going really well and I need to be able to hold a hammer and chisel for the next 30 years. I can’t do that if I’m suffering with arthritis by the time I’m 40.”

The full interview with Jonny and Ally will appear in this Saturday’s matchday programme