One of the hardest tackling full backs the Island has ever produced was laid to rest following a well-attended home going service at Christ Church in Devonshire yesterday.

Russell Kenneth Leverock, 79, rose to prominence as a no-nonense defender for Key West Rangers and Pembroke Hamilton Club (PHC) during the 1950s and '60s, playing alongside legends such as Earl (Townsey) Russell, Cal (Bummy) Symonds and Lewis (John Beaver) Burrows.

"Goalkeepers used to duck when they saw the ball at my feet," Leverock often bragged.

The footballer, fittingly nicknamed Rocko, is the father of former Western Stars and St.George's Cup Match fast bowler Roger Leverock, grandfather of Southampton Rangers left-arm spinner Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock and great grandfather of PHC and Under 19 all-rounder Kamau Leverock.

Former Flatts Tigers and Wellington Rovers goalie Dennis Wainwright described Leverock as "a student of the game".

"Rocko was as solid as a rock. He wasn't the fastest runner, but he had great anticipation," he recalled.

"He rarely had to run after an opponent because they would run into him, such was his anticipation.

"He read the game very well and I would describe him a good student of the game."

Leverock won many honours during his heyday at PHC, including the 1956-57 FA Cup when Zebras became the first black club to lift the coveted title.

"I played against him on a couple of occasions and Rocko was solid. But as tough as he was I always found him to be a gentleman. You never saw any dirt," said Wainwright.

Leverock was a master carpenter by trade who also enjoyed making traditional Bermuda kites.