A CHARITY rugby match pitted teams of girls against each other in memory of a Melbourn teen.

It was held to raise money for a scholarship in tribute to Thomasin Purbrook, known as Thommy, who died in St Petersburg after contracting meningococcal septicaemia on a trip to Russia in 2008.

The annual event at the 18-year-old’s former school, Oundle School, near Peterborough, aims to help raise �500,000 to allow pupils from all backgrounds attend the �9,500-a-term boarding school.

Thommy’s parents, Clive and Belinda from Melbourn, set up The Thommy Purbrook Scholarship in memory of their rugby captain daughter.

Clive, a former Melbourn parish councillor, said: “As ever, a wonderful day both on and off the pitch, and the amount of money raised for Thommy’s fund is fantastic.

“The whole family is very touched that the match has become so firmly entrenched in the school’s calendar, and is approached by the girls and everybody else who plays a part with such a fantastic spirit.

“The quality of the rugby on display was also a testament to the girls’ talents.”

To donate to the scholarship log on to http://society.oundleschool.org.uk/giving/index.php