AUCTIONEERS and solicitors have recreated the moment 100 years ago when their predecessors played a game of cricket, days before the First World War broke out.

On July 24, 1914, two teams gathered in Colchester’s Castle Park for a match.

Four days later, the Great War started and many of the players joined the Armed Forces.

One solicitor, Mr A E Sparling, did not return.

On Friday, representatives from Colchester law firms, auction houses, letting agencies and chartered surveyors held a memorial rematch.

The event raised money for soldiers’ charity the ABF and the Rob George Foundation, boosted by souvenir programmes, which raised £4,000 through advertising, a bar, barbeque and raffle.

See the Daily Gazette for more.