CROWDS gathered on Saturday for the annual Tom Sephton match at Crosfields RLFC in Great Sankey.

It was the third edition of the memorial competition which was set up after the Great Sankey soldier was killed in Afghanistan in July 2010.

Despite the rain, a crowd of more than 2,000 turned out for the matches on Saturday at the Hood Lane club.

The first game saw The 1st Mercian Regiment take on the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment before Crosfields clashed with The Royal Engineers, the Army rugby league champions.

The event was held on Armed Forces Day - a national event with more than 200 fundraising events and activities.

Angela Horn, Tom's mum, said: “There were no catering facilities at the digs they were in and they turn up year in, year out and loved Tom to pieces so I thought I should show my appreciation and told them to get round to my house for breakfast.

“It was funny but sad at the same time because the road was full of parked cars which was always how it used to be when Tom was home.”

The memorial match raised cash for The Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen and Families Association Forces Help.

Angela added: “It started pouring down so I’m sure he was probably up there taking the mick!

“I feel quite honoured and proud the match is going to be held on Armed Forces day from now on.

“I know my son was special but this proves it to me.”

The teams were led out by Angela and Tom’s little brother Reece, aged six.

She added: “It makes me so sad that Tom was taken so early and Reece has missed out on his big brother teaching him how to ride a bike and play rugby.

“A massive thank you to everyone who helped out and supported us on the day.”