THE ALF 10s rugby tournament was another smash hit success on Saturday.

Fifteen teams competed in the flagship event of the Aaron Lewis Foundation at Westcliff Rugby Club.

And Patric Redding - who helped to organise the competition - was delighted to see so many teams and fans in attendance.

“This year’s event was our biggest yet and it didn’t disappoint,” said Redding.

“Fifteen teams competed and everyone walked away with a smile on their face.

“Six teams from last year came which tells us we’re doing something right.

“One team, the Racing Greyhounds came from Paris and The Peterboat, in Old Leigh, kindly hosted them on Friday evening for dinner, with Tigerlily on Leigh Road providing the entertainment later on.

“That was great to see and although we’re not sure how much money we’ve raised at the moment we’re confident we will be able to beat last year’s figure, which is brilliant news.”

The Aaron Lewis Foundation is a charity set up in memory of Lieutenant Aaron Lewis, the Rochford man and former Westcliff player who died while serving in Afghanistan in December 2008, just 11 days after his 26th birthday.

Saturday’s event was the ninth time the ALF 10s had been held and saw a number of fun activities taking place alongside the rugby.

More than 1,000 people attended throughout the day and saw a number of fun-filled matches being played.

Phallus Warriors were crowned cup champions while the ALF team won the plate.

Ledbury Raiders, from Hereford, triumphed in the Bowl Cup and the 29 Commando Regiment from Plymouth won the Beer Cup.

And Redding is now already looking forward to next year’s event.

“Next year is going to be the 10th year of the tournament and that’s really something we want to celebrate,” said Redding.

“When we first put this tournament on there were only four teams in it and, as a group of Aaron’s friends, we’ve all been really pleased with how it’s grown.

“Saturday was another great day and all of the games were played in the right spirit.

“We’re now looking forward to a music festival held at The Peterboat on the weekend of July 15.”