Monmouth RFC met the Rifles' team for a friendly but passionate game in memory of Jamie Gunn last weekend.

Held on Chippenham Fields last Saturday (10th March), the pitch was bathed in the first sun of the year as a good crowd turned out to watch play unfold.

After a minute of silence to remember Jamie, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009, the game was kicked off by the Rifles.

Captained by Sam Branston, the Rifles scored two tries from players Roko Bula Vinaka and Bob Atherden, while Monmouth just stole the game with tries from Dewi Lane and Rhys Rickets.

Fly half Rickets also kicked a conversion and two penalties.

The final score rested at 18-10 to Monmouth, who were captained by Sam Harding, a close friend of Jamie's.

The Rifles may have lost the game but a great atmosphere surrounded the pitch, with Monmouth saying three cheers for their opposing team after the final whistle blew.

Jamie's old battalion returned from their last tour of Afghanistan in November 2011 and some are still recovering from their tour. Saturday saw Company Sergeant Major Scott Maunders play his first game for the Rifles since being hit by a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) last year.

Jamie's mum Janet Gunn expressed her thanks to those who had come along.

"It is lovely to see everyone turn up and it is really good of the Rifles to come and play," she said.

"So many people do such a lot to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund, it is really humbling. It is nice to remember Jamie playing rugby here too."

This is the second year that a memorial game has been played, and long may it continue.