Scotch College

75 years of strong competition

Rugby at Scotch has been a significant and successful sport for many years, and on 11 August we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first match played between Scotch and Melbourne Grammar School.

Words: Dr Alan Watkinson • Director of Development

Scotch will host this wonderful occasion, which will feature a preliminary match between the Under 16 teams, and then the special anniversary match on the Main Oval at 2pm.

The day is planned to be a true celebration, with a special lunch for many of our rugby legends from the past 75 years, as well as visiting dignitaries. The match itself will be a highlight, and there will be a reception for all players and their families afterwards to cap off the day. The boys will be playing for the Bell Trophy and no doubt Grammar will be keen to redress their loss in the first match, which was won by Scotch 19-0.

The August 1932 edition of The Scotch Collegian carries the following report (which is abridged here):

The first Public School Rugby match was played in ideal weather on Thursday, August 11. The Lower Oval was in excellent condition.

The opening ten minutes of the game consisted almost entirely of forward play, neither pack gaining much advantage. The first score came when Laurie broke through from half-way and, eluding the full-back, scored in the corner. The try was not converted. Heartened by the drawing of first blood the Scotch pack settled down, and, although lighter than their opponents, dominated in the set scrums and in the loose, and fed their backs consistently. The backs made good use of their opportunities, and straight running and smart handling resulted in two tries, both of which were scored by Dye …

The second half showed a decided improvement in the Grammar forwards, and putting more vim into their work, they more than held their own …

The remainder of the game was spirited and interesting, and although Grammar had the better play, they could not push their attacks home. Full-time was called with the score at 19 to nil in Scotch’s favour.

The rivalry between these two schools has continued ever since, and Scotch has maintained the upper hand over the years.

We hope that all four recent Old Scotch Wallabies will be part of our celebrations, and that the Scotch Family will turn out in force to support the First XV on this very special diamond celebration.