WINCHESTER Rugby Club officially opened their new memorial pitch on Sunday, to remember an ex-clubman who died earlier this year.

The Adie Mort pitch is located at North Walls Park and is dedicated to Adrian Mort, who died aged 48 after a short illness.

All four of Adrian's children play rugby at the club and will be using the new pitch.

Immediately following the opening, his daughter Caitlin captained the Winchester Ladies tag rugby team.

Club chairman Steve Barrow said: "Over recent years our existing pitches have struggled to accommodate our ever increasing playing membership which is fast approaching 1400.

"This great new community facility will be a great asset, particularly to our youth, ladies and girls rugby sections.

"I would like to personally thank all those involved in the planning and preparation of the new pitch."

The ribbon to officiate the opening was cut by Adrian's close family and sponsor Dave Crowther from Crowther Contract Carriers.

Dave's company provided the new posts, flags, post protectors and pitch side equipment for the pitch.