A pair of roller hockey teams played out a pulsating charity match in tribute to a man who lit up both teams.

The Comet: Letchworth Roller Hockey Club and Stevenage Sharks reunite for a game in memory of former player Stuart Langley who passed away from cancerLetchworth Roller Hockey Club and Stevenage Sharks reunite for a game in memory of former player Stuart Langley who passed away from cancer (Image: Archant)

Letchworth Roller Hockey Club took on Stevenage Sharks at North Herts Leisure Centre on Saturday night in celebration of the memory of Stuart Langley, the former player of both teams who lost his battle with cancer in March at the age of 29.

Stuart played in the Letchworth side for 12 years but was a part of the Stevenage club, which has now folded, from the age of nine.

The exhibition match – which was won by the Letchworth side 11-3 – followed a minute’s silence to honour Stuart’s life, on the day which would have been his 30th birthday.

Andrew Allen, head coach of the Letchworth club, said: “This was always going to be an exhibition match as the Letchworth team were made up predominately of the current Premier League team and the Sharks team was composed of only three players that are still actively playing.

The Comet: Stuart LangleyStuart Langley (Image: Archant)

“The final score of the game was immaterial, with the enjoyment obvious on the faces of all that attended to either watch or take part being the most essential thing. The appreciation of Stuart’s family that he will always be remembered in this way was voiced by his dad, Brian, who told all the players after the game as he awarded the trophy to the hosts how grateful he and his family were that this event had been organised for his son.

“The fact that it was watched by close to a hundred people is testament to just how many people’s lives Stuart touched.

“We would like to thank all the generous people who donated raffle prizes and all that gave their time to help organise this event.”

The raffle raised more than £2,000 which will be given to charities including Garden House Hospice, where Stuart spent his last weeks.