MORE than £3,000 was raised at a memorial tournament for popular rugby stalwart Craig McGeary on Saturday.

Mr McGeary, who was involved with Haddington, Musselburgh and Preston Lodge rugby clubs during his career, died suddenly last month, aged 43.

Friends and former team-mates organised an over-35s tournament between the three clubs, which was played at Musselburgh’s Stoneyhill home on Saturday afternoon.

The tournament, which featured former Scotland international Cammie Murray in a strong Haddington side, was won by the Neilson Park club after victories in both their games.

Collections throughout the afternoon helped raise the impressive four-figure total, which will be donated to charities chosen by Mr McGeary’s family.

The money will go to Headway, the brain injury association, and Alzheimer Scotland.

Joe Burns, Craig’s nephew, attended the tournament, and thanked everyone involved.

He told the Courier: “The family would like to say a big thank you to all who attended Craig’s memorial event on Saturday at Musselburgh Rugby Club, with special thanks to the organisers, the players, and all who donated funds to the charities.”

Blair Stewart, who helped organise the event, said: “I think it was fitting that his home club Haddington won.

“Well done everyone, we’ve done Craig and East Lothian rugby proud.”

Musselburgh RFC head coach Grant Talac was similarly delighted to see old heads don their boots once more in memory of the popular county ace.

Talac told the Courier: “It was a fantastic day seeing everyone pulling together to have a run around and raise some cash for charity in Craig’s memory.

“I think everyone did him proud and I know from a Musselburgh perspective there were a few sore bodies – and heads – on Sunday.”

Jonathan Hewat, director of external affairs at Loretto School, where Craig taught, added: “The event’s success was a reflection of the love and respect Craig had both within the community and rugby world and the money raised for the two charities is excellent – a fitting tribute to Craig.”

After the rugby had finished, all the players involved took to the Stoneyhill pitch and posed for a picture, lining up to spell out ‘CM’ in tribute to Craig.

Discussions are under way about making the tournament an annual event in honour of Craig.

Burgh coach Talac added: “Given the success of the day, it would be great if it was an annual event, with one of the other clubs hosting next year.”