CARLUKE Hearts retained their Alec Lucas Memorial Trophy on Saturday beneath a sun-kissed Whitestone Park.

The Lanarkshire amateurs defeated Spartans in a repeat of the 2014 final.

And they capped another memorable day where thousands of pounds were raised for local football and forces charities.

Marine Lucas was killed in action during a tour of duty in Afghanistan almost seven years ago.

The 24-year-old was a popular footballer with several local teams as well as clubs from as far away as Wales.

A minute’s silence was impeccably observed yet again before the fundraising and football kicked off.

Alec’s father Adrian, who has been one of the driving forces behind the Alec Lucas Memorial Fund since its inception more than six years ago, was delighted with the support. He said: “This is our seventh year and it is going well yet again.

“We always get a great turn out.

“We raise money for the local football teams as well as the Marines Charitable Fund and other forces charities in Scotland.

“People come along to the tournament each year with happy memories of Alec that they want to share and that is wonderful. Alec’s name remains very vibrant in the town which is a great comfort.” Since the Alec Lucas Memorial tournament first kicked off in 2009 it has raised more than £110,000.

The final amount from this year’s tournament and accompanying fun day will have boosted the total to well in excess of £110,000.

A total of 16 teams lined up this year with Carluke Hearts, Spartans, the 45 Commando, Tweeddale Rovers, Peebles Under 19s, the Neidpath Inn, the Crown, and Leithen Rovers all progressing to the knock-out stages.

Carluke edged out the Marines in the first semi-final by two goals to one.

And the other semi was even closer with Spartans beating Tweeddale Rovers on penalties following their one-all draw.

In an entertaining final Carluke emerged 4-3 winners over the Ainslie Park side.

Amongst the many spectators who were watching from the Alec Lucas Memorial Stand was 85-year-old former 45 Commando Douglas Davidson.

Mr Davidson from Edinburgh served between 1948 and 1955 – much of the time aboard HMS Theses. He told us: “I came down last year when the stand was named in honour of Alec and I enjoyed myself so much I came back.

“I enjoy the football and it is nice to catch up with the 45 Commando.” Another former Marine was also in the supporters’ ranks.

Hugh Ewart was part of 41 Commando who stormed the beaches during the Normandy landings in 1944.

The 90-year-old from Glasgow said: “I came down for the memorial day two years ago and wanted to come back.”