BATTLEGROUND: Maritime Command take possession of the ball from Systems Command in the major men’s rugby match at Randwick Barracks.

Photo: ABPH David McMahon

By Graham Davis

The 240 men and women who took part in the March 11 Sportex football challenge, vied for three pieces of silver worth $45,000.

These were the solid silver trophies resurrected for the challenge.

The Lord Denham Cup was struck in 1913 and is now the award for the winner of the Maritime/Systems Command challenge in Rugby.

The Victoria Cup (or Jamie McGinley Cup) was struck in 1914 and is the award for the top AFL side from the two commands.

The third award, for the aggregate winner of the days’s competition is the Perry Cup struck in 1929.

CMDR Shane Moore, the director of the Navy’s heritage collection, said the trophies had been refurbished and new plinths fitted.

“They are solid silver and worth a total of $45,000,” he said.

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