Rovers win Lucas Trophy

Published 4 Jun 2010 11:29 Comments 1 Comment

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LOCAL football emerged as the winner of this year's Alec Lucas Memorial Tournament.

Although the final had to be abandoned due to a serious knee injury suffered by a Marine - it was decided to award the trophy to Leithen Rovers who were a goal in front.

While the Alec Lucas Memorial Trophy headed back to Innerleithen, orgainsers of the event were starting to count the thousands that were raised yet again for grassroots football in Peeblesshire as well as the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund.

A total of 16 teams, headed by an ex-pro All Stars side, competed in the second staging of a competition in remembrance of Peebles Marine Alec Lucas, who lost his life almost two years ago in Afghanistan.

Dozens of fundraising stalls lined Whitestone Park.

And several other age-group, company and emergency services tournaments acted as support.

In the end an Aaron Brunton goal was enough to win the trophy for Leithen Rovers.

The Innerleithen team had defeated the holders, Royal Marines A, as well as the Navy's Fleet Protection Unit on their way to meet the Royal Marines B in the showcase.

It was a day where football couldn't really lose. Last year's tournament and evening reception raised £19,500 - and they won't be far short this time round either - with the majority going to youth sections of local clubs.

Adrian Lucas, father of Alec, told us: "The turn out has been fantastic and despite the weather we couldn't have asked for any more.

"The All Stars team with all of their Scotland caps have added something different to this year's tournament and I can't thank them enough for coming. It was great to watch the competitive spirit between them and the Marines.

"The main thing is that this is raising money for youth football which is something Alec would have loved. I'm sure Alec was around today somewhere and he'd be enjoying everything that was going on."

There were a few surprises from the group stages with Peebles Amateurs, the All Stars, Leithen Rovers and Chester emerging as the winners of the mini leagues.

But the Royal Marines teams, who had all finished runners-up, soon made amends.

Leithen Rovers defeated the holders to reach the semis, while Fleet Protection knocked out Chester, the All Stars disposed of a hung-over Linton Hotspur and

The Marines B team put five past Peebles Ams.

A single goal took Leithen Rovers through against Fleet Protection in a highly competitive semi-final.

And the All Stars - who featured Darren Jackson, Scott Crabbe, Gary Mackay, Ray Mackinnon and Dave Bowman - couldn't quite match the fitness levels of Marines B going down 3-1.

Dave Bowman wasn't too disappointed not to reach the final. The Dundee United legend said: "We all enjoyed playing out there but the breaks between games caught up with us as we had really tired legs in the end.

"When it comes to football there's no such thing as a friendly and we were here to trying win but age caught up with us.

"It's a real worthwhile cause and the tournament gives us a chance to pay our respects to a young man who gave his life for us.

And former Hibs striker Darren Jackson hopes to be back at Whitestone Park next year. He said: "These occasions are great and it's a privilege to be asked to play.

"The Marines were really fit and we couldn't keep up the pace in the semi final.

Rovers win lucas Tr"The whole idea is to raise as much money as we can for this good cause. I'd like to think we can all come back next year and play again - we'll prepare a bit better next year."

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John Hislop
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Jun 5, 11:12
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I was there and it was an excellent day. Full marks to everyone taking part and those who contributed to the fund.

I never knew Alec, but I would like to add my condolences to his family.

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