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.

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.

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:

1. Great interplay between forwards and backs leads to Old Xaviers first try:

   https://shawfactor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2015/07/shawcup_7_try_01.mpg

2. Melbourne Unis Number 8 brushes of poor tackling to score:

   https://shawfactor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2015/07/shawcup_7_try_02.mpg

3. A Marty Tighe chip is charged down for Melbourne Unis second try:

   https://shawfactor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2015/07/shawcup_7_try_03.mpg

4. Halfback Wilson Tighe powers through some ineffectual defence:

   https://shawfactor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2015/07/shawcup_7_try_04.mpg

5. Wilson scores another sniping down the blindside:

   https://shawfactor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2015/07/shawcup_7_try_05.mpg

6. Pete Shaw spaks the turnover and Marty Tighe finishes in grand style:

   https://shawfactor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2015/07/shawcup_7_try_06.mpg

7. The Old Xavier number 8 powers over after some fine forward lead up work:

   https://shawfactor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2015/07/shawcup_7_try_07.mpg

8. Rob Shaw finishes of a great Old Xavier team try:

   https://shawfactor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2015/07/shawcup_7_try_08.mpg

9. Rob Shaw finishes of some back line brilliance:

   https://shawfactor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2015/07/shawcup_7_try_09.mpg

10. More back line brilliance and a great offload lead to Old Xaviers 8th try:

    https://shawfactor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2015/07/shawcup_7_try_10.mpg

11. Straight from the kick-off Old Xavier go legth of the field to score an awesome team try:

    https://shawfactor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2015/07/shawcup_7_try_11.mpg

12. Mark Bowker intercepts a quick line out and shows a clean pair of heels to the defence:

    https://shawfactor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2015/07/shawcup_7_try_12.mpg

13. A quick tap and Old xavier are away as aubrey Inston caps a great day for the boys in black:

    https://shawfactor.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2015/07/shawcup_7_try_13.mpg

A gallery of photos from the day is available here:https://shawfactor.com/2006/06/15/shaw-cup-7-gallery/