Sgt Guthrie's son, Scott, said the match between the Dunedin Police rugby team and his Harbour club, which has been held every year since 1991, was a way to remember his father.
"There's a lot of Dad's old friends who come along to watch. It's not so much a sad occasion as a good way to remember him by," he said.
Police XV captain Dave Scott said the match was always an enjoyable social occasion and get-together for the people who knew Sgt Guthrie.
"Stu was a link. This was his community. He played rugby for the police and for the club."
It was hard to believe the Aramoana tragedy, during which resident David Gray shot and killed 13 people before being killed by police, was 21 years ago, Mr Scott said.
"There were a couple of people in the Harbour team who weren't even born then. It is important to keep tradition going, and I am sure it will be for years to come."
The game was won by the police team 12-10.
