Author: Peter Shaw
Is the founder and president of Princes Park Touch and the leader of the LocalHero project!
Shaw Cup 5 – Old Xavier Versus MURFC
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.
Rugby played as it should at Xavier
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.
Shaw Cup 4 gallery
Winners in a thriller
After recruiting N.Z. underage player Wayne Nicora and having a strong showing over summer at Royal Park a lot was expected of the 2003 winter team.And whilst the team looked a bit shaky at times it ultimately won the premiership in a thriller.
The team was sitting pretty half way through the season with 7 straight wins.However the second half was not so good a few losses including a spanking by Lone Rangers.But we won the semi final and went straight into the final, a rematch against Lone Rangers.
At half time we trailed 4-3 but were not panicking. The second half was a shootout as defense seemed to go out the window. But being down 8-7 with less than 2 minutes left it was looking like we would fall short. Thankfully we got it back to even terms as Pete Shaw dived across to even it up.
From the ensuing kick-off Lone rangers attacked our line.In desperation they threw a wild pass that Wayne intercepted running the length of the field leaving his cap behind and scoring on full time.Pity about the defense on the day but if you can score 9 tries you deserve to be champs.
A Gallery of team shots and the post match celebration can be found by clicking here:
https://shawfactor.com/2001/09/10/dunneworthy-2001-gallery/.