The Xavier and MURFC teams
In the curtain raiser MURFC played Old Xavier for the 10th Shaw Cup. In a close game former MURFC players proved the difference as Wilson Tighe and Peter Shaw both scored two tries. Final score 25-12.
The E.M. Shaw cup
What is the Shaw Cup
The Shaw Cup, or to give its full name the E.M. Shaw Challenge Cup, is a trophy for social rugby in Victoria. The cup itself was presented by Peter Shaw for annual rugby competition and named after his grandmother: Ethel Margaret Shaw.
First played for in 1997, the Shaw Cup is based on a challenge system, rather than a league or knockout competition as with most trophies. The holding team must defend the cup in challenge matches, and if a challenger defeats them, they become the new holder.
The Cup is currently held by Old Xavier, who where awarded it as the then holders Dunneworthy were unable to defend it. They have sucessfully defended the Cup on 10 consecutive occasions, including some memorable games, most notably against Melbourne University on test match day in Melbourne.
A gallery of photos from the day is available here:
http://localhero.biz/display/media/images/shaw_cup_9/
more soon…
An undersized Old Xavier maintained their dominance on Wallabies Day with an upset 36-24 win in the 07th Shaw Cup
Wallabies day rolled around again and yet again it was time for the annual fixture between Old Xavier and Melbourne University. Old Xavier had enterred a strong team, but Melbourne Uni had abandoned the gents concept and fielded a full team of grade players. The first half was tight with the teams trading tries. But in the second half the Old Xavier backline started to hum and it turned into a route.
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In June this year the annual rivalry of Melbourne University and Old Xavier was resumed. Playing as always for the E.M. Shaw Cup. In an attempt to wrest the trophy from Old Xavier, and make up numbers 
, Melbourne Uni had recruited from the ranks of the Booroondara gents and Melbourne Uni colts.
On the 12th of June 2004 the boys from Old Xavier resumed their annual rivalry against the veterans from Melbourne University. Although the scoreline was one sided the rugby was not.
The older Melbourne University dominated possession, with a much heavier and more experienced pack. But could not dominate the scoreline as the disorganised but scrambling defence of Old Xavier frustrated them at every turn.
Words by Peter Shaw, video courtesy of anonymous spectator
In October 2003 a representative team assembled from Melbourne University residential colleges was assembled to take on Old Xavier for the 04th E.M. Shaw Cup. With two teams dedicated to playing attacking rugby, a sunny day, a beatiful field at Xavier College, and rugby World Cup fever in the air the stage was set for a rugby exhibition.
