A GROUP of erudite Alton students represented their college at the Debating Matters Tournament at Solent University.

Alf Hamer, Peter Baillie, Seb Cawte and Molly Bruce made up the Alton College team.

They were supported by Jack Jillings, Olivia Welch, Lottie Tellyn and Jasmine Bullion.

Alf and Peter kicked off the tournament arguing against the motion Tourism benefits the world.

They were said to have presented “eloquent and thought-provoking positions” but were ultimately defeated by Bay House School and Sixth Form.

Molly and Seb were drawn against a more experienced team from St Swithun’s. They tackled the highly-charged motion Technological progress will not solve society’s environmental issues with some solid arguments.

Considering it was the first time Molly and Seb had taken part in a public debate in front of an audience, not to mention six judges, the college said they did “exceptionally well”.

They were, in the words of the chair, “narrowly beaten” but were still given some positive feedback.

One judge was said to have told Molly she could see her as a future campaigner as she displayed so much passion during the debates.

St Swithun’s School went on to take first prize overall.

Throughout the contest the supporting team were fully involved and asked provocative questions, which kept the dialogue moving.

A special mention was given during the prize ceremony to Jack Jillings, who was commended for his questioning.

After the event, a college spokesman praised the team for their effort:

“The first national debate of the 2019 season was tough but the Alton College teams stepped up to the challenge.

“Our next debate is the Cambridge Union competition on February 7 where we are lucky enough to have four teams from a mix of first and second years representing the college.”