A COLLINGBOURNE Cricket Club player has been named as one of the two Tidworth soldiers who died following an incident at a military firing range.

Corporal Matthew Hatfield was named alongside Corporal Darren Neilson as having died from injuries sustained during a training exercise at Castlemartin Ranges in Pembrokeshire last Wednesday.

The pair, both of the Royal Tank Regiment, were understood to have been inside a Challenge 2 tank when an explosion or intense fire occurred.

Two other soldiers were injured in the incident and were treated in hospital for serious injuries.

No other tank was involved, and it has been said that the Challenger was not hit by a shell.

Following his death, corporal Hatfield, 27, has since been revealed as a Wiltshire-man and Collingbourne Cricket Club star.

The club, who marked his death with a minute silence before their game against White Horse on Saturday, say corporal Hatfield will be “sorely missed”.

Club captain, David Malley, said: “Our match against topof-the-table White Horse was overshadowed by the sad news that Matthew Hatfield – player, friend and son of Collingbourne Cricket Club – tragically lost his life last week whilst on exercise in Wales with the Royal Tank Regiment at the age of 27.

"An enthusiastic and popular member of the team, Matt first played for Collingbourne as part of the youth team at the age of 11, and this season marked his return to the club after moving back to the area.

“He played his last game for Collingbourne in May and will be sorely missed by all at the club and the wider community.

“A minute’s silence was observed by both teams before the match, and black arm bands were worn by the Collingbourne players in memory of their team mate.”

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Ridgway, Commanding Officer of The Royal Tank Regiment, also paid tribute to corporals Hatfield and Neilson He said: “They were both exceptionally talented soldiers who loved what they did.

"The Regiment has lost two real characters and feels truly honoured to have served with them; they will both be sorely missed.

“The two other soldiers involved in this incident remain in a serious condition; our thoughts and prayers are with all their families and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

The Ministry of Defence says its defence accident investigation branch is currently investigating the incident, as are the police and the Health and Safety Executive.