Players and supporters at North Dorset Rugby Club bade a poignant farewell to captain Max Biles on Saturday. 

The 29-year-old died of natural causes on Thursday November 19 and the Gillingham Club honoured his memory before their Tribute Southern Counties South home fixtures with Corsham - the first competitive match for the club since his death. 

Before the game started, both sets of players and a sizeable crowd, which also included Mr Biles' family, gathered on the pitch for a minute's silence and a minute's applause.  Then his number four shirt was ceremonially retired. 

When the action got under way, the first XV responded with a 50-50 home victory which kept them joint top of the division. 

Steve Keates chairman of North Dorset Rugby Club, said: "Saturday was a very special day.  It was a very emotional afternoon for the club as a whole.  I am sure Max would have been proud of the way the first XV conducted themselves on the day and the standard of rugby they played in the match, which was dedicated to him and his memory.   

"We were pleased that Mrs Biles and the family were able to join us in the tribute." 

Peter Kennedy, first team coach of North Dorset, said: "Mr Biles came in after the game to thank the boys, which was very well received.  If you could say such a thing, it was the best possible way to round of a very difficult week. 

"Max was not just anybody.  He was the captain of the club, the first team captain and wrote our Christmas pantomime every year.  He was always at the club on a Sunday morning supporting the youngsters. 

"You could say Max left us where he wanted us to be - at the top.  It was a very emotional time after the game because I was proud of what my players had achieved out on the park. 

"You have to move on and that is what Mrs Biles said to us in the changing room afterwards. 

"Max might not have wanted it any other way.  That might sound tough but we have got to carry it on now and that is his legacy." 

More than 500 people attended a memorial service held at St Mary's Church in Gillingham on Friday, which followed a private cremation service in Salisbury. 

Mr Keates said that more than 400 people attended a wake at the rugby club later in the day. 

It is believed that Mr Biles, who worked at Guy's Marsh prison as a rehabilitation course leader, may have died following a seizure triggered by an unknown underlying heart condition. 

He leaves a long-term partner, Amy Roberts, mother Liz Biles, older sister Briony and younger brother Leo, who have lived in Mere since 1999. 

The family has know grief in the past, having lost Max's father, Colonel Christopher Biles, in a helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre in 1994. 

In lieu of flowers, Mrs Biles asked mourners to make a donation to the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young.