SPORTY school students went head-to-head with their educational predecessors as part of an annual tradition, but very little could separate the two sides.

Colchester Royal Grammar School pupils with a penchant for competition faced off against members of the Old Colcestrian Society during a cricket and a tennis match.

The latter, which dates back over 100 years, is the official alumni of the school and is dedicated to using its global network to help support current students.

Its members provide everything from job advice and work experience opportunities to mentoring for those looking to establish future careers.

In sweltering sunshine, there was no love lost, nor much assistance dished out as the two teams battled it out for bragging rights.

Gazette:

In the cricket, the school’s first team came out on top with a strong batting performance, but the alumni’s hard-hitters were victorious in the tennis.

During the sporting event, which took place at the Lexden Road complex, the society’s members also held their annual general meeting.

Several staff members and pupils were also invited to join an annual lunch on the sports field.

Colonel Richard Kemp, chairman of the Old Colcestrian Society, said: “This was the first time we’ve been able to hold the event for two years as a result of Covid.

"It was a great success with a strong turnout from supporters and opportunities for current students to meet those that went before them.

"The sort of connections that past and present pupils can make are what the society is all about — using our network to help students starting out at university or a new career."

Colchester Royal Grammar School’s latest cricket endeavour comes in the form of the Royal Grammar Schools’ Cricket Festival, which is taking place this week.

Any pupils or staff looking to find out more information about the Old Colcestrian Society are encouraged to visit oldcolcestrians.org.