Mitcham’s memorial sevens tournament on Sunday has raised more than £7,000 has been raised in memory of Daniel Simpson, who died while serving with the Second Battalion Rifles in Afghanistan in July.

Bob and Debbie Simpson released 250 balloons to a minute’s applause in honour of their son, who played for Mitcham’s third team before leaving to join the Army, and all the servicemen and women who have lost their lives in the conflict.

Warlingham emerged as winners of the elite competition after beating St George’s in a closely-contested game.

With extra points being awarded for age, experience and costume the minnows tournament was hotly contested by teams such as a Superheroes 7 (including Batman, Batgirl and Robin), a group of football players led by Danny’s brother Jimmy (they weren't quite sure what to do with such an odd shaped ball), a colts side dressed in dresses and tutus and a vets team with their oldest player aged 70.

The eventual victors were Phil's Teetotallers led by Danny's Uncle Phil Brown who won an eagerly awaited final against Dan's Divas, an all-girls team led by Danny’s Aunt, Karen Brown.

An inflatable assault course was supplied by the Army and Gary Ashburn hosted an auction for items such as a Martin Johnson signed shirt, a signed Chelsea shirt and a dance lesson with Karen Hardy of Strictly Come Dancing.

There was a silent auction with bids being taken throughout the day for many lots including a luxury Harrods Hamper, a week in a villa in Turkey and Fulham V Liverpool tickets.

Raffle tickets were on sale during and after the tournament for a cake decorated with The Rifles Emblem with a separate raffle for hampers, wine, champagne and sports event tickets.

Between the two auctions, the raffles, collection buckets, and the sale of food and drinks, the total raised on the day currently stands at £7,000 which will be donated to Help for Heroes and the 2nd Battalion Riffles in memory of Daniel Simpson.

Mitcham RUFC would like to thank everyone who kindly donated items for the auctions and raffles, all of the volunteers who helped to organise and run the event, all of the teams who took part and everyone who turned out on the day and helped us raise this phenomenal sum of money.