Old Melburnians

Cordner-Eggleston Cup 2024 + recollections from the past

10 May 2024

On Friday 24 May, the Melbourne Grammar School 1^st XVIII will play our friendly rivals, Scotch College, in the historic Cordner-Eggleston Cup Match.

Details: 2.00pm, Friday 24 May 2024, Scotch College Main Oval, 1 Morrison Street, Hawthorn 3122

All Old Melburnians are welcome. Bookings are not required. Contact [email protected] or +61 3 9865 7682 for more information.

The two Schools played the first-ever recorded game of Australian Rules Football in 1858, and have competed fiercely against each other almost every year since. In 1989 this historic match was named the Cordner-Eggleston Cup.

The Cordner-Eggleston Cup Lunch is a Reunion for the 1^st XVIII teams who played in 2014, 2004, 1994, 1984, 1974, 1964, 1954, 1944 and even 1934. Here is a quick look back through the School Archives across the ‘four’ decade years.

2014 – Melbourne Grammar School 9-14 (68) def. Scotch College 5-5 (35)

The Cordner Eggleston Cup best epitomises what it means to represent Melbourne Grammar School; playing in front of the whole school with everyone striving towards the same goal, is a special feeling.
Excerpt from The Melburnian, 2014

1st XVIII Football
Back Row: Kade Alexander, Will Ahearn, David Cuningham, Dylan Clarke, Wilbam Horsfall, Andrew Tashevski-Beckwith
Third Row Ms Jesstca Rottura (Assistant Coach), Lachie Langford, William Lovelock, Ed Vickers-Willis, Jack Matbaum, Hugh Goddard, Louis Myer, Sam Hill, David Holyoake, Jack Spargo, Sam Kelly, Mr Michael Ford (Coach)
Second Row: Ryan Clarke, Tom Cameron, Harry Stephens, Tom Fuller, Fergus Borthwick (Vice-Captain), Connor Lappin (Capt), Theodore Rosenthal, Edward Langdon, Daly Shannon, George Manton, Sandy McFarlane
Front Row: Hunter Watkin, Ben Long, Will Monk. Absent: Tom Wilkinson

Source: The Melburnian, 2014

Melbourne Grammar School supporters, 2014. Source: The Melburnian

2004 – Melbourne Grammar School 12-12 (84) def. Scotch College 11-9 (75)

“This match for the Cordner-Eggleston Cup was being played almost certainly for the last time on Melbourne Grammar Soil, and a massive crowd turned up for the event. Many were hoping for a return of the cup to Melbourne Grammar for the first time since 1999, and all were hoping for a great contest. They were not to be disappointed.”
Tim Morris (OM 1981), Assistant Coach, 1^st XVIII.

Back Row: Tom Paule, Tom McCredie, Tom Hawkins, Nic Lawler, Theo Code, Ben McKie, Ned Morrison. Second Row: Ed Hamer, Will McLaughlin, Tim Russell, Hamish Mac Donald, Xavier Ellis, Scott Kennon, Sam Playfair, Peter Kennon, Peter Smith, Tom Bennison. Seated: T.J. Morris (Assistant Coach), Sam Gooley, Charles Wilmoth (Committee), Xavier Leslie (Vice Captain), B.P. Hanisch (Coach), Luke Batten (Captain), Matthew Thomas (Committee), Chris Gooley (Committee), M.D. Chesterman (Backline Coach).

Source: MGS Archives 006023

1994 – Melbourne Grammar School 17.11 (113) def Scotch College 13.9 (87)

The team united once again and was determined to fight back against our traditional rivals, Scotch. We ran away winners by four goals and retained the Cordner-Eggleston cup, in a tough and exciting match.

James Guest kicked eight goals and combined with David Holme to be inspirational in our win. At this stage of the season, the younger players Jamie Wright, Ameet Bains and Robert Sewell were consistent contributors who helped the older players establish a fearsome combination that would be competitive against any team.
Excerpt from The Melburnian, 1994.

*Back Row (L to R): S.R.N Humphris, J.G. Rigg, A.J. Cloke, J.S. Tomlinson, W.E. Crawford, A.S. Bains, S.K. Murray, J.M. Wright.*
*Second Row: N.M. Jarvis, J.D. Butterfield, J.W. Berry, C.J.W Banks, D.A.B. Holme, S.J. Whitehead, J.J. Guest, C.J. Berry, A.J.M. Cooch, R.J. Sewell, D.A. Campbell.*
*Front Row: G.P. Wilhelm, N.J. Howell, L.R. Bunn (Vice- Captain), R.T. Morell (Vice-Captain), R.E.Hallo Esq., C.R. Kennedy (Captain), I.K. Smith (Vice-Captain), L.J. Boyd, B.J. Tudor, B.A. Rogers.*

Source: MGS Archives 006421

1984 – Melbourne Grammar School 14.15 (99) def Scotch College 4.10 (34)

The highlight and probably the most impressive win for the season was against Scotch. The dedication and determination shown by us was very inspiring. Everyone knew what he had to do and everybody seemed to do it.

It was pleasing to see the return to form of our wingmen, Peter Nelson and David Ward-Ambler who were the top possession getters on the ground and our fullback, Tim Northeast who kept his full forward nearly goalless. It was a good team effort which saw us take the game out by 10 goals.
Excerpt from The Melburnian, 1984.

Back Row: R.A. Wither, A.P. Millear, J.S. Allen, M.W. King, P.J. Nelson, A.P. Oram, N.D. Johnstone, A. E. James, J.G. Austin
Middle Row: S.W. Bell, S.J.S. Bolton, T.C.J. Smith, R. O. Gillard, T.J. Northeats, A.N O’Donnell, I.D. Arnold, H.A. Barrett, B.H. Cohen
D.F. Ward- Ambler, P.C. Wood, J.G. Dowd (Committee), J.H.G. Keeble (v-capt), K.C. Emselle, Esq., D.L. Hupfau (capt.), A.W. Ashton (committee), P.L.A. Birrell, I.A. Banks

Source: MGS Archives 006429

1974 – no APS match vs. Scotch College

Only practice matches played that year against Scotch College. There was no APS game.

Back Row: J.A. Bedford, R.J. Mann, R.G. Nissen, R.J. Bullen, D.M. Venus, A.P. McKaige, M.T. Michelmore, H.N. Deravin, R.F. Cornish, C.P. Brown.
Middle Row: M.A. Rogers, A.J.B. Clifton-Jones, L.A. Wilson, D.M. Bladin, R. Brown, P.D. Debenham, G.D. Wilson.
Front Row: A.J. Gibson, J.W. Lloyd, D.G. Anderson, P.M. Dawson, R.E. Hallo, Esq. C.J. Guthrie (Capt.), J.C. Amor, C.L. Dawson, I.R. Waters.

Source: MGS Archives 006435

1964 – Melbourne Grammar School 11.14 (80) def Scotch College 3.1 (19)

Scotch had played well in the practice games and had defeated Grammar by five goals. Our captain delivered an inspiring speech then, as the windows rattled and the blood-thirsty yells subsided, the Melbourne Grammar first eighteen clattered onto the Scotch oval.

In the last quarter Grammar carried on with its ruthless team game. The confidence Grammar felt after this game was never lost.
Excerpt from The Melburnian, 1964.

Back Row: A.E. Millis, T.P. Alder, J.W. Swinnerton, A. Gillespie-Jones, R.G. Woolcock, A.T. Goss, C.J. Loughlin, P.E. Orchard, R.G. Brown. Middle Row: P.W. Boyle, P.J. Jenkins, P.B. McNaughton, P.V. Smith, C.S. Lang, D.J. Stevens, r. Robertson, P.C. Dane, T.F. Yuncken, I. W. Hepworth, R.H.B. Ogilvie. Front Row: M.A. McL. Cooch, S.A. Holland, D.J. Hone (Vice-captain), J.A. Thwaites, Esq., D.A.C. Leng (Captain), R.V. Browne, D.E. Beer, A.D. Mitchell.

Source: MGS Archives 002346

1954 – Scotch College 10.8 (68) def Melbourne Grammar School 7.7 (49)

The first quarter was a very even one, the backlines of both sides predominating. The first ten minutes of the second quarter had seen little change in this position, when our rucks suddenly got on top and, with our winning centre line, began to initiate many strong attacks. The Scotch backs fought hard, but we managed to break away to a two goal lead at half time.

It had been a very keen and even match, but Scotch deserved to win with their stronger finish.
Excerpt from The Melburnian, 1954.

Back row (from left): I.F.C. McKenzie, E.M. Anderson, J.D. Cameron, D.J. Morris, I.D. Wenzel, G.J. Brooksbank Esq., A.G. Johnson, G.E. Hall, B.N. Kerr, T.M. Spry and I.J. Llewellyn. Middle row: G.McG. Cottrell, J.W. Shattock, E.R. Reeve, T.F.Kerr, A.G. Hiscock (captain), B.J. Beer, A.E. Pinkus, I.F. Langford and M.J. Roet. Front row: I.T. Johnson, J.R. Armstrong, P.L.R. Shiels, A.K. Macfarlan, P.W. McLeish, N.M. Carlyon and A.K. Cornell.

Source: MGS Archives 002362

1944 – Melbourne Grammar School 11.24 (90) def Scotch College 12.10 (82)

Scotch scored first goal, but here the tide turned, and, with breathless speed. School put on goal after goal until, with two consecutive majors to Potter, who had taken a succession of brilliant marks, we were only 5 points behind. The excitement became intense as the ball was forced backwards and forwards, but at last we broke through, and a goal to Guest put us a point in the lead. Scotch gained the lead once more, but only for a brief moment, as a goal to Kemp carried us to victory. We had won a very memorable match by eight points.
Excerpt from The Melburnian, 1944.

Back row (from left): K.N.C. Rollason, J.W. Grainger, M.I. Langdon, P.J. Fensham, R. Corrie-Smith, E.C.H. Taylor Esq., I.G. McMullin, R.L. Hargreaves, T.B. Nolan, I.B. Sewell and H.Z. Ross. Middle row: W.L. Guest, B.A. McKinnon, R.T. Potter, D.A. Bedford (captain), J.C. Molyneux, H.P. Cooper and G.R.M. Kemp. Front row: J. Cornwell, P.F. Doyle, W.G.M. Morris, K.W. Gahan and D.G. Harrison.

Source: MGS Archives 002452

1934 – Melbourne Grammar School 12.12 (84) def Scotch College 9.6 (60)

Scotch, with a big deficit, attacked hard, but scored only points until Allender marked, and kicked their seventh goal. Soon after goals by Sherrington and Allender reduced Scotch’s deficit to 10 points, and they still had a chance, for the School players were giving away too many free kicks. Two behinds and an easy goal by Burt put the School further ahead, though Scotch fought on until the final bell, when the board showed us the winners of a splendid game by 24 points. Excerpt from The Melburnian, 1934.

Back row (from left): R.J. Webb, F.S. Mitchell, J.F. Scott, R.H.P. Beckmann, E.C.H. Taylor Esq., J.G. Yewers, F.McK. Bladin, J.R. Ross and A.H. Eilenberg. Middle row: H.O. Stenborg, G.H. Duckett, J.A.E. Glover, M.J.M. Lapin, L.V. Stewart (captain), S.E. Calder, W.L. Ross, J.M. Lauder and W.C. Bate. Front row: J.P. Richards, J.C. Graham, W.B. Stillwell, W.A. Chellew, C.F. Long and A.G. Burt.

Source: MGS Archives 002141

1924 – Melbourne Grammar School 8.10 (58) def Scotch College 5.6 (36)

The fine form displayed by our opponents came as a complete surprise to supporters of the School, and the last quarter promised to provide a stirring contest. The game continued to be played at a great pace, and for some time neither side could gain the upper hand.

Although faced with a deficit of 17 points, the Caledonians were making a fine uphill fight. However, when Holt passed to Dunlop, and six more points were added to our score, the game was made practically safe. A minute later, Brooksbank took a brilliant mark, but was only equal to a behind.

Scotch’s position was now hopeless, but they fought gamely to the end. and a splendid match ended with the final scores 58 to 36.
Excerpt from The Melburnian, 1924.

Standing (from left): I.G. Macfarlane, A.A. Holt, T.A. Tabart, K.W. Danby, E.C.H. Taylor Esq., G.J. Brooksbank, E.L. a’Beckett and C.W. Arnold. Seated: A.G. Dunlop, J.R. Coate, E.L. Moran, J.R. Shelly, R.M. Rutherford (captain), F.D. Wilson, E.J. Gay, R.T. Hood and E.C. Wood. Out front: C.W. Smith, M.G. Wilson and G.C. Reid.

Source: MGS Archives 002073

1914 – Scotch College 9.16 (70) def Melbourne Grammar School 7.14 (56)

It was a few fatal mistakes in the first quarter which really cost us the game. Although we had the advantage of the wind the quarter ended in favour of Scotch with the scores. Playing against the wind in the second quarter the School played up brilliantly and, at half-time, the scores were evened up considerably. It was really a great effort on the part of the School, and the team was loudly cheered on returning to the pavilion. It was a fine exhibition of football, and The School came out of it defeated but not disgraced.
Excerpt from The Melburnian, 1914.

Back row (from left): F.G. Ogden, E. Drinan, E.K. Tolhurst, E.B. McKay, A.F. Patterson, K.M. Williams, K.S. McIntyre and T.G. Grimwade. Middle row: E. W. Austin, P.H. Heywood, P.G. Hartley, J.J. Coles and F.G. Grieve. Front row: I.W. Dyring, R.V. McCallum, J.G. Sharp, R.B. Hunt and R.W. Herring. Inserts: N.L. Steele (captain) and W.S. Kent-Hughes.

Source: MGS Archives 002279

1904 – Melbourne Grammar School 11.15 (81) def Scotch College 5.6 (36)

Rain fell heavily in the third quarter, but we were still scoring, and finally won the match by 45 points. A very pleasant feature of the day was the excellent spirit which was manifested between the two teams. This must give great pleasure to all who love school sport, and it is our earnest hope that this feeling will remain for many years one of the prominent features of school matches.
Excerpt from The Melburnian, 1904.

Back row (from left): E.V. Wills, H.S. Handley, H. Ross-Soden, D. Rand, S. Fraser, A. Tymms, H. Goldham, R.H. Bolton, G.T. Wallace and O. Hamilton. Middle row: McG. Knox, Mr. B. Thompson, R.J. Hannah, E.R. Cordner, R. Lewis (captain), W.B. Ronald, W.F. Cuming, Mr. M. Wilson and H. Cuming. Front row: N. Wilson, A. Ross-Soden, F.F. Fairhorne, L.G. Blackmore, G. Ross-Soden and C.L. Kimpton.

Source: MGS Archives 002124

1894 – Scotch College 8 goals def Melbourne Grammar School 4 goals and Melbourne Grammar School 7 goals def Scotch College 4 goals

Note: Behinds weren’t counted until 1897.

Standing (from left): A. Moline, R. Moore, C. Jenner, C.W. Sims, N.E. Brookes, P.H. Willis, Mr. A.D. Gillespie, S.T. Staughton, F.G. Lavender, H.E. Brookes, A.J. Staughton and H.L. Austin. Middle row: H.L.H. Brown, T.B. Lewers, E.O. Anderson, W.T. Ahern (captain), E.C. Miller and H.A. Anderson. Front row: R.G. Patterson, C.H. Gardiner, M.S. Herring, J.A. Dando, O. Damman and C.H.M. Watson.
The following eight also played during the year: RHF Carlisle, SF Hammond, FT Krcrouse, JS Rowan, PM Shackell, JD Spence, P Staughton, M Wilson.

Source: MGS Archives 002100

1884 – Melbourne Grammar School 1 goal def Scotch College 0 goal and Melbourne Grammar School 4 goals def Scotch College 1 goal

Standing (from left): Mr. Miles, G. Damman, A. Dyer, R. Hillson, W. Macknight, J. Osborne, H. King, A. Jenkins, H. Baird, R. Manifold and W. Renou. Middle row: C. Manifold, E. Griffiths, C. Pearson, L.C. Pender (captain), E. Austin, E. Champion, G. Hayes and G. Birnie. Front row: H. Osborne, J. Pender and H. Dawborn.
Absent: AF Henty, JA Lawry, GH Teague.

Source: MGS Archives 002088

1874 – Melbourne Grammar School 3 goals def Scotch College 0 goal and Scotch College 1 goal draw Melbourne Grammar School 1 goal

1864 – Melbourne Grammar School 0 goal draw Scotch College 0 goal

No images available from either year