THE sun shone, plenty goals were scored and a further sum, in excess of £10,000, was raised for causes dear to the heart of Royal Marine Commando Alec Lucas.

Since the 24-year-old's death in Afghanistan on November 24, 2008, Peebles has come together each year to remember and celebrate the life of one of their favourite sons.

The organising committee has understandably decided to allow other worthy causes to take over the fundraising baton with the announcement that this year's evening reception, auction, and family day were to be the last.

And what a way to go out.

At exactly 6.30pm the Red Arrows, with Peebles pilot Stewart Campbell in one of the cockpits, flew down the Tweed Valley to mark the end of eight years of fundraising by the Alec Lucas Memorial Trust.

In the hours preceding the magnificent fly-over teams from across Peeblesshire and further afield had contested, yet again, the Alec Lucas Memorial Trophy.

As always Alec's unit, the 45 Commando from Arbroath, performed well - this year reaching the final.

But they found a local select team, the Borders Lions, just too good.

In an exhausting final on Whitestone Park the Lions, who featured Leithen Rovers duo Colin Smith and Alan McMath, Peebles Amateur player Darren Thomson, former Vale of Leithen players Gary Hastie and Des Sutherland, current Gala Fairydean Rovers duo Billy Miller and Dean McColm, as well as Coldstream midfielder Paul Hossack, overcame the Marines.

The trophies and medals for the winners and runners-up were presented by Alec's daughter, Cara.

New Peebles Rovers manager Gerry Rossi and his Vale of Leithen counterpart Chris Anderson both pulled on the boots between handing out medals for the junior tournaments.

Alec's father, Adrian, has been one of the driving forces behind the tournament and fundraising fun days. Adrian told us: "It was always going to be emotional knowing that this would be the last fun day but it couldn't have gone any better.

"The red arrows were absolutely awesome and a great way to end the day.

"I will write to Stewart (Campbell) personally to thank him and the Red Arrows.

"The football tournament was yet again played in the right spirit with lots of excellent matches. The 45 Commando did well to reach the final but the select team were too strong. There was a huge crowd around the park for the final."

Throughout last Saturday there was bubble-football, pony rides, inflatable slides, a car boot sale, and licensed bar.

And the fundraising effort will have taken the eight year tally to well over £125,000 which is shared between local football causes and military charities.

Adrian added: "We haven't got a full total yet for the day but we will have raised over £10,000.

"There are so many people I would like to thank, not just for Saturday, for everything over the past eight years. It really has been a community effort and we, as a family, are extremely grateful."

A meeting will be held in July to decide if the Alec Lucas Memorial Tournament will continue in a stripped-back format.