Oxford and Cambridge Cup

The trophy was organised by Dr Edmond Warre,[2] Headmaster of Eton College and former President of the Oxford University Boat Club.

In an 1890 letter to Frederick Halcomb (Captain of the Adelaide University Boat Club) he states that "the idea was accepted by them with alacrity" and that they were "proud of the opportunity afforded them of showing their brotherhood, goodwill and interest in the welfare of their kinsmen in the antipodes”.

The cup features scenes in bas-relief of Cambridge, Oxford, rowers and the floral emblems of the countries of England, Scotland and Wales.

This long standing and traditional toast is afforded the winners of the Grand Challenge Cup.

Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide Universities met on the Hombourg reach course of the Yarra River.

Adelaide achieved its first win in 1889 at their home course on the Port River, and again in 1896 when stroked by famed South Australian oarsman W.H.

With the development of tertiary education in Australia in the 1950s and 1960s it was not long before numerous additional universities sought entry into the boat race.

In 1956 New South Wales, 1963 Monash, 1966 Australian National and Newcastle, 1969 La Trobe and 1973 Macquarie Universities gained entry.