THE Sauchie Cup returned to Beechwood this year for the second year running, welcoming three teams from across the central belt to the annual football tournament.

Hosted by Sauchie Juniors, the day-long competition was this year contested by the first team, Alva Amateurs Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and Cumbernauld United.

Around 200 fans headed to Beechwood as Sauchie beat Cumbernauld before playing Rob Roy in the final, winning 3-2 to lift the Sauchie Cup.

Sauchie Juniors gaffer Fraser Duncan organised the tournament and said he was delighted to see the four teams enjoy a full day of good football.

"It was a great day," Duncan told Advertiser Sport. "We made it quite cheap for people to get in, the full day cost £5.

"It was good for people to come in and then they get to see four games of football, the hospitality suite was open so we had the bar as well.

"We had a singer in there for people to enjoy and we had a really good game of football as well, everybody really enjoyed it.

"The four teams really enjoyed it – it was a good test for the sides on the day, we had four good games of football and it went really well.

"It's a good day out but it's also a good test for pre-season for each of the teams involved. We had local team Alva Amateurs here and they did really well so credit to their performance."

Held for the first time last year, the Sauchie Cup is held in thanks to Noel Dalli and Hamish Mitchell, two life-long servants to Sauchie Juniors.

After being a success in its first outing, Duncan said he was glad to see it continue and hopes it will become an annual tradition.

He added: "We host this football tournament for Noel Dalli and Hamish Mitchell who have done so much for the club and are still heavily involved with the club.

"We thought we'd start this cup as a dedication to them and to say thanks for all the work they've done for Sauchie.

"We take teams who are interested in taking part – we started it last year and it was a success so we thought we'd continue it."