Leithen Rovers retain Alec Lucas Memorial trophy
David Knox • Published 10 Jun 2011 09:30
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THE winner once again at the Alec Lucas Memorial Tournament was charity.
Although, Leithen Rovers can also make a claim as they managed to retain their crown after a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
The third seven-a-side festival of football is a fitting tribute to Marine Alec Lucas, who was killed in action during a tour of Afghanistan.
His love affair with football saw him turn out regularly for teams close to his Peebles home as well as for various forces and army representative teams.
Many of his former forces colleagues again made the trip to Whitestone Park - the Corps team travelled all the way from Plymouth to take part.
And hundreds of friends and family from closer to home also supported the family day.
Alec's father, Adrian, is amongst the organising committee. He told us: "I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make Saturday such a successful day.
"Despite the weather it was still a fantastic day.
"I would also like to thank the committee, who put in such a lot of hard work to make sure the tournament is a success."
A total of 16 teams lined up for the main tournament.
As well as holders, Leithen Rovers, other local sides were joined by an All-Stars side featuring several former professional players.
The forces were well represented with 45 Commando, Fleet Protection and Corps all represented.
And Edinburgh-based Dalmore, who Alec also played for, also continue to enter a team.
Following the group stages it was Dalmore, Leithen Rovers, the All-Stars and 45 Commando who were left to fight out the semi-finals.
And both matches were eventually decidedby the tightest of margins.
Leithen Rovers again reached the final for the third successive year - this time they faced Dalmore. And yet again it was a stalemate after normal time.
The Innerleithen side held their nerve during extra time to lift the Alec Lucas Memorial Trophy for the second successive year.
The tournament raised a whopping £16,000 - taking the three year total to £58,000. Mr Lucas added: "We are absolutely delighted with the amount of money which was raised."
A committee meeting will take place in the next few weeks to decide where the cash will go - although, as in previous years, the Royal Marines charities and local youth football will be the benefactors.
This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 10 Jun 11
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