IT was perhaps appropriate that former team-mates of Alec Lucas defended their title on Saturday.

Several of the Old Lions, including coach and captain Garry Hastie, were in the same Vale of Leithen team as the war hero more than a decade ago.

Old Lions such as Des Sutherland, Scott McKenzie and Aaron Sommerville are all proud to have been team-mates of Marine Lucas.

Garry told us: "A lot of our team played with Alec and were good friends with him.

"It is important to us to come to Peebles each year and honour our former team-mate.

"We were delighted to win the tournament last year and even more delighted to have kept the trophy."

The annual Alec Lucas Memorial Tournament has become a hugely popular fixture on the local football calender.

The Royal Marine Commando was killed in action during 2008 while serving in Afghanistan.

His great passion, after his family, was football having played and supported many teams in and around Peeblesshire.

For the past eight years the memorial tournament and family fun day has raised an incredible £115,00 for local football land military causes.

And several thousand more will be put to good use when the tally from Saturday's tournament and car boot sale is finalised.

Alec's father, Adrian, and daughter, Cara, helped present the trophies to the winners and runners-up on Saturday.

Adrian told us: "Yet again we had another really enjoyable day with many of the teams staying on after the presentations to enjoy a drink or two.

"The football and the weather were good, and we had great support yet again from the people of Peeblesshire."

The 16-team tournament was well-supported by youth matches, which included teams from Newcastle, spot-kick competitions, a beer tent, ice-creams, catering, and a car boot sale.

It was two of the local teams who reached the final - the Old Lions and the Margaret Kerr Unit select.

Having not conceded a goal all afternoon, the MKU team looked to have placed one hand on the Alec Lucas Memorial trophy when they took a first half lead.

But the Old Lions responded with two goals from Innerleithen's Alan 'Speedy' McMath.

The Old Lions team also included Aaron Brunton, Tom Kerr, Kevin Matheson, Steven Fleming and Jordan Steele.

Sean Stewart from the MKU team, who plays for Vale of Leithen, was awarded Player of the Tournament.

*Next Saturday the MKU team will be hosting their own fundraising tournament in memory of June Bon.

So far the tournament at Ainslie Park in Edinburgh and other events by June's family - husband Robert and sons David, Martyn and James - has raised over £12,000 for the Margaret Kerr Unit.

Next Saturday's tournament kicks off at 1pm with six teams competing for the Margaret Kerr Trophy.

A minibus is leaving Peebles at 11am and anyone wishing a seat should contact organisers through the MKU tournament Facebook page.