A MEMORIAL cricket match is being held in honour of a stalwart rugby player who has died suddenly.

Mistley Rugby Club will take on Mistley Cricket Club in a Twenty20 game today from 6pm at the New Road ground as a tribute to Chris Cooper, who died last week unexpectedly at the age of 45.

Mr Cooper, who lived in Manningtree, had been involved with the rugby club for more than 20 years.

Nicknamed Gnomey, Mr Cooper had also played and coached for Colchester Rugby Club.

Youth chairman Ross Cowie said: “Gnomey was a friend to all, a legend, and leaves a huge personal legacy, a true member of the rugby family here in northeast Essex.

"He will be a huge, huge loss to Mistley Rugby Club."

Organisers are also hoping to arrange a tribute rugby match between second team Mistley Marauders and Colchester’s fourth XV on September 5.