After six months in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban, soldiers from 1st Battalion The Welsh Guards returned home to fight another war of sorts - against each other.

This time is was a good-natured affair, as the soldiers played in the annual John Williams 300 Rugby Cup competition.

Ensuring fair play was Major Martyn Miles from HQ Company. He said: "This is a final fling for the lads before they go off on their very well earned leave. It is a great chance for them to unwind, let off steam, have some fun, and play for the honour of their companies."

Also on hand was the founder of the competition, 77-year old former Guardsman John Williams. He served in the Welsh Guards for 27 years, joining in 1950 and leaving as a Company Quarter Master Sergeant. His lifetime of service also included 23 years as a Yeoman of the Guard where he was Sergeant Major and earned the Royal Victoria Medal.

"During my time with the Regiment I realised that among new recruits there may be ex-schoolboy or youth internationals," he said.

"They were modest, thinking themselves not good enough to play for the Regiment. I approached the then Commanding Officer suggesting a cup for inter-company rugby with the aim of bringing these players to the fore."

"Over the years I have been proved correct with 'undiscovered' players going on to play for the Regiment, the Army and Combined Services," he reflects.

For the record, 3 Company easily beat 2 Company in the final!