Alumni of Colchester Royal Grammar School relived their glory days of old as they prevailed against their youthful opponents in the Keeble Cup.

Contested between former students who make up the Old Colcestrians and current pupils of Colchester Royal Grammar School, the Keeble Cup is so named because of the glittering career of Vic Keeble, who was a student at the school before going on to play professionally for Colchester United.

Gazette: Clinical – A Colchester Grammar player diverts a cross past the opposing goalkeeperClinical – A Colchester Grammar player diverts a cross past the opposing goalkeeper

The centre-forward spent five years at the U’s between 1947 and 1952 before going on to play for Newcastle, with whom he won the FA Cup in 1955.

After moving to West Ham United, Keeble retired at the age of 30 before returning to north-east Essex as a football reporter.

Gazette: Living dangerously – the Old Colcestrian goalie pursues a Colchester Grammar strikerLiving dangerously – the Old Colcestrian goalie pursues a Colchester Grammar striker

The Old Colcestrians prevailed 3-2 in a game which was both good-natured and hard-fought.

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In attendance at the event although not playing was Richard Kemp, who was educated at Colchester Royal Grammar School before coming a colonel in the British Army.

Gazette: Nifty – footwork a Colchester Grammar player looks to navigate a packed defenceNifty – footwork a Colchester Grammar player looks to navigate a packed defence

He noted a key aspect of alumni events – aside from the social side – was how it allows students to expand networks.

“It’s about helping the current crop of pupils to network, to help get them prepared and get them in employment beyond school – that’s our strong point and it’s what we focus on overall.

Gazette: Physical – a Colchester Grammar player holds off an Old ColcestrianPhysical – a Colchester Grammar player holds off an Old Colcestrian

“Another aspect is to raise funds for school activities, including capital projects.

“We will help pay for disadvantaged pupils at the school. We will give grants to needy cases of that sort.”

The Keeble Cup was presented to the winning team captain by Old Colcestrian chairman, Sean Bunch.

Gazette: Tussle – it was a competitive spectacle for the 90 minutesTussle – it was a competitive spectacle for the 90 minutes

Anyone who has been a pupil or staff member at Colchester Royal Grammar School is welcome to join the Old Colcestrian Society at oldcolcestrians.org/join.