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Articles relating to the E.M. Shaw cup
The tradition continues
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.
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.
An undersized Old Xavier maintained their dominance on Wallabies Day with an upset 36-24 win in the 07th Shaw Cup
Boys in black put a team that trains to the sword.
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.
A timeline of the match highlights follows:
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.
Under the watchful whistle of Jim Lawrenson Old Xavier started strongly but were rebuffed at every turn by strong MURFC defence. Slowly the tide started the turn and when a misplaced pass from the Old Xavier half back went to ground in the in goal MURFC pounced and where out to a surprise lead.
Old Xavier true to style kept trying to run the ball from anywhere. This lead to MURFC second try when Marty Tighe tried a cut pass in front of his own posts and was intercepted for the simplest of scores. This was exacerbated by the fact that almost from the kickoff MURFC went the length of the field to score another. THings were looking grim for Old Xavier
However just before half time Marty Tighe looped around the defence and then grubbered and soccered his way to score a great individual try to provide some hope for the boys in black.
The second half started like the first with Old Xavier hard on attack but not breaking through. Finally when it looked like MURFC were breaking out and may score they were called back for a penalty which Rory Quinn took quickly and scored under the posts. Five minutes later Rob Shaw backed up some fine breakoutfrom is cousin and Marty and scored the simplest of tries. The conversion from Dan Cusack put Old xavier into the lead
MURFC then attacked strongly to regain there lead. However the ref then blew the whistle for full time gutting the MURFC team who looked likely to score. The referee, however, realised he had ended the match 10 minutes early and so both teams we agreed to play the extra time. However this did not help Melbourne Uni as the lactic acid took its toll and another three tries were scored by Old Xavier.
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.
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.
