A rugby tournament dedicated to two club legends raised thousands of pounds for charity.

The Matthew New Memorial Sevens event took place on Saturday at Braintree Rugby Club.

Held in honour of Matthew New, who was died after being hit by a car in 2002, aged 15, and Matt ‘Maff’ Wadforth, who died in 2014 of leukaemia, the day raises money for Bloodwise and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

Organiser Ruan Holt wanted to raise £5,000 for the two good causes.

He said: “It was a fantastic day and it was really busy if a bit too hot.

“The money is still being counted but we do not think it will be far away from our target of £5,000.

“There was a mix of everything going on and people seemed to love it. We are already planning next years event although we do not have a date set yet.”

Oxfam Crusaders won the tournament.