The memories of Mike Beard and Dan Hercus were once again honoured at the annual memorial tournament on Saturday.

The Touch Rugby tournament started out as a match between Lincoln Touch and Isle Touch in tribute to Mike Beard, who sadly died in 2015. Mike was the founder of Lincoln Touch and key to getting the sport off the ground in Lincolnshire.

The match grew into a tournament which is now in its fourth year and played in memory of both Mike, and Isle Touch player Dan Hercus, who sadly died in 2024.

Five teams took part in this year’s Mike Beard & Dan Hercus Lincolnshire Shield on May 16, including Lincoln Touch and MB All Stars, while Doncaster Touch, Isle Touch and IGR North completed the lineup. IGR North are a combined team of Lincolnshire Lancers, Sheffield Vulcans and Coventry Corsairs.

Lincoln’s two teams consisted of a mixture of mature and junior players, with nine of the 22 playing in their first ever tournament.

On a fantastic day in the sun Lincoln’s junior players - MB All Stars - put in a massive effort and showed some great skill and pace to finish in third place at the tournament, highlighting a very bright future for the young team. Lincoln Touch finished fourth.

Lincoln Touch were narrowly defeated 4-3 by Isle Touch in their first match before a battling 2-1 loss against Doncaster. They then faced off against Lincoln’s other side - MB All Stars - and battled hard in a 3-1 defeat.

Lincoln Touch bounced back to winning ways in style with a 6-1 win over IGR North.

MB All Stars lost 5-1 to Isle Touch before beating IGR North in a 5-4 thriller. After beating Lincoln Touch they then lost 3-0 to Doncaster.

It was the first year since the tournament started five years ago that a Lincoln team didn’t make the final, and the Shield now has new champions with Doncaster Touch ending the day as champions. Doncaster beat Isle Touch 5-4 in a hard-fought final.

Emily Gourlay, Vice Head of Lincoln Touch, said: "Mike Beard was a huge presence within the club for both Rugby and Touch Rugby. His passion for the sport inspired everyone on and off the pitch, and we were so fortunate to be coached by him.

"His influence encouraged us all to be better, and he will always remain an important part of my journey in Touch Rugby. I would never have been able to get to Nationals without thinking about his legacy every time I stepped onto the field.

"It’s wonderful to see that the Annual Lincolnshire Shield tournament, created in his honour, continues to grow and carry forward the impact he had on so many people.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAUL FORD