We staged rugby match to pay tribute to Troy

Former teammates of teenage hit-and-run victim Troy Atkinson played a fundraising rugby match in his memory.

The 15-year-old's old club Nailsea & Backwell and an invitation XV played at Dings Crusaders' ground in Landseer Avenue, Lockleaze, on Sunday.

It was the players' idea to stage the game and they each paid a £5 match fee to help cover the costs of Troy's funeral. A minute's silence was held before the game to honour Troy.

The Nailsea & Backwell side comprised Troy's former teammates while the Barbarians team had players from Clifton Rugby Club, St Bernadette's, Old Reds, Weston Hornets and Dings Crusaders.

Members of Troy's family and friends watched the match, including his parents, uncles and aunts.

Troy's aunt Karen Phillips, aged 41, of Marksbury Road, Bedminster, said: "It's really touching, I just think it's a lovely, positive thing they could do towards Troy's memory.

"Troy had a natural ability, it meant a lot to us, and it's lovely to see other people's respect for him."

Kevin Spencer, who was a coach at Nailsea & Backwell, said: "The idea was just to give a tribute to Troy. He was respected by so many players and parents. A lot of the public thought we should do something to honour his name and it's brilliant to see everybody here.

"Troy was the quickest, most powerful and bravest player you would ever likely to watch.

"He was a lovely kid, he always gave 100 per cent and the boys wanted to show their respect for him, both as a player and an opponent."

Mark Wilson, another of Troy's former coaches at Nailsea & Backwell, described Troy as a "lovely lad" who was naturally talented and said his former teammates had been devastated by his death.

He said: "We hope to raise as much as possible, and Nailsea & Backwell would like to say a large thank you to the Dings for today."

Two of Troy's former teammates said the winger was an "awesome player".

Grady Wright, 15, of Backwell, said: "He was a wonderful player and he would have loved this match. He would have really shone."

Elliot Cheeseright, 14, of Backwell, said: "Everybody liked having Troy around. Rugby was good for Troy and Troy was good for rugby. Everybody liked him."

Following the closely-contested game, which resulted in a 32-24 win for Nailsea & Backwell, a framed photo of Troy in full flight on the rugby field was presented to his parents.

Troy, of Hartcliffe, played for Nailsea & Backwell at under 12, 13, and 14 level, finishing top try scorer every season before joining St Mary's Rugby Club in Bradley Stoke.

The former Withywood Community School pupil was with a friend in Cabot Circus on April 28 when he was hit by a Mercedes at the junction of Penn Street, Broad Weir and Lower Castle Street. Troy, who had severe head injuries, died in Frenchay Hospital.

Dozens of floral tributes, messages and a Nailsea & Backwell rugby shirt were laid near the scene of the incident outside the Castlemead building.

A march by more than 300 friends and family was held to raise money for funeral costs.

On Wednesday, Mohammed Ahmed, 18, of Eastville, appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court charged with causing Troy's death by dangerous driving. He also faces charges of taking a Mercedes from an address in Eastville without consent, failing to stop for an accident and driving without insurance.

Ahmed was remanded in custody to appear before the court tomorrow.