A SPORTS trophy has been presented in memory of Molly Rose, one of the Spitfire Women who delivered planes to pilots.

The family of the pilot, who lived in Bampton and died in 2016 aged 95, presented the Molly Rose Trophy to the RAF Women’s Rugby team last week.

They beat the Royal Navy Women’s team by 53-3 at the Twickenham Stoop Stadium.

The trophy was presented to RAF Captain, Flight Lieutenant Chrissy Siczowa, by Molly’s youngest son, Nigel Rose, 68.

He said: “I was thrilled when my two brothers nominated me to attend the match and present the trophy named after our mother.

“The weather was brilliant and although I should be neutral about who won the match, it was particularly appropriate, given mother’s flying achievements with the Air Transport Auxiliary, that the winner was, and resoundingly, the RAF Women’s team.

“I love my rugby, having played the game and been a rugby referee, and the standard of play was excellent.”

Mrs Rose flew with the Air Transport Auxiliary during the Second World War and flew Spitfires.

Air Commodore Steve Lushington, Chairman of the Royal Air Force Rugby Union, said he was delighted the match took place in ‘glorious sunshine on Friday.

He added: “The really good news is that the Molly Rose Trophy was won by the RAF Women’s team!

“I knew Molly well from her visits to Brize Norton and I think she would have been delighted with the day.”

Mrs Rose delivered 273 Spitfires with the ATA, including planes to RAF Brize Norton, where last year a plaque was unveiled in her honour.

It also paid tribute to Mary Ellis, who also flew Spitfires and was flown in for the ceremony from her Isle of Wight home.

Mrs Rose’s son Graham, from Appleton, near Abingdon, liaised with the air base to arrange the tribute.