DARREN Braithwaite’s try for Greyhound provided a touching reminder of the significance of Saturday’s annual game against London Irish, held in remembrance of his cousin and former team-mate Paul McAleese.

Braithwaite was among seven scorers in Greyhound’s first win in the fixture, now in its fourth year.

Buglers from 2nd Battalion the Rifles played at City Sports Club in Hereford, and the home side ran out winners over the Irish’s amateur side 48-10.

McAleese had played for the club alongside his cousin before, in 2009, he was killed in action in Afghanistan.

“Paul was a hard player and a good team-mate,” said Alan Braithwaite, the club secretary and Darren’s uncle.

“We play this every year, and it means a lot to a lot of our younger players - many who played with him.

“Darren and Paul were best mates as well cousins – it was brilliant to see him score.”

Irish, who have strong playing links to the Rifles, have traditionally had the run of the fixture, and beat Greyhound comfortably when they hosted the game at Sunbury last year.

However thanks to tries from Braithwaite, Matty Fring, Ed Howarth, Oliver Payton and a double form Elliot Phillips the memorial trophy will be in Hereford this year.

With one game left to play in their league season, Greyhound have managed to consolidate their position in Midlands Four West (North) in their first year back at that level, despite winning just two out of their first nine games.

They finish their season with a trip to mid-table Bishop Castle on Saturday.