AN RAF regiment tackled the elements and a team of rugby players in a tribute to one of their comrades who died in a parachuting accident earlier this year.
Despite rainstorms, members of RAF Squadron 34 and Bishop Auckland Rugby Club battled it out as they remembered 25-year-old Andy Wilson, of St Helen Auckland, County Durham.
Mr Wilson died after jumping from an aeroplane at Shotton Airfield, near Peterlee, in June.
This week, friends and family, including his sister Julie, 34, and parents John and Christine, gathered for a charity clash between Mr Wilson's colleagues from RAF Leeming, and friends from Bishop Auckland at the town's rugby club.
Following RAF tradition, Mr Wilson's kit was later auctioned, raising nearly £6,000.
His mother said: "We are just pleased that so many people turned out, especially in the bad weather. It is brilliant, people have come from all over.
"I would just like to say a big thank you to the lads from 34 Squadron. They have been brilliant.
"They are such kind lads and they have been a lot of support to John and I. I don't know what we would have done without them.''
It is hoped that Wednesday night's match will become an annual event and plans are already under way for a rematch at RAF Leeming next year to play for the Andrew Wilson Memorial Trophy.
The trophy was donated by Mr Wilson's aunt and uncle, Paul and Margaret Shrubb.
The money raised will go towards another trophy in his memory for new recruits passing out into the squadron.
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