RUGBY players will honour an Oxfordshire soldier killed in Afghanistan by taking part in a charity match at his former club.

Marine Dale Gostick, from Great Haseley, near Thame, died in action in Helmand province on May 25 last year.

The 22-year-old was driving a Viking armoured vehicle when it struck a mine.

The life of the popular soldier will be honoured in the inaugural Dale Gostick Memorial Cup at Wheatley Rugby Club next month.

Mr Gostick joined the club as a teenager before turning out for the First XV.

Wheatley will take on Littlemore at Holton playing fields on Saturday, September 5, in a competition set to be repeated against different opposition ever year.

Steve Kemp, chairman of Wheatley RUFC, said: “Dale was very committed to his family and his forces colleagues as well as to his friends at home.

“This was hugely demonstrated by him turning out to play for Wheatley whenever he was on leave from the Marines, whether he had just returned home from Plymouth, Afghanistan or wherever he had been at the time.

“He began playing for Wheatley as a teenager while at Wheatley Park School and progressed rapidly into the First XV.

“He was a very fit and active member and he contributed much towards the club off and on the field.

“As well as remembering Dale, the day will also remind us of the ethos of clubs like Wheatley so well demonstrated by Dale – friendship, fun, loyalty and teamwork.

The game, which will feature a Wheatley side made up of past and present players alongside Mr Gostick’s friends and relatives, will raise money for Help the Heroes.

Mr Gostick’s father John, 58, has already raised more than £3,500 for the charity after completing a six-day bike ride through France in May this year.

He laid a wreath at Ste Mere Eglise, the first French town liberated on D-Day in 1944.

Mr Gostick will select a man of the match on the day. Kick off is at 4pm.

To make a donation, send money to John Gostick, Southview, Rectory Road, Great Haseley, OX44 7JQ.

The number of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan since the US-led invasion began in 2001 now stands at more than 200.