InterVarsity Hockey


InterVarsity Hockey refers to Field Hockey competitions in Australia between rival universities, dating back to 1908. The Men's and Women's competitions were organised and run separately until 1978, when they became a 'combined InterVarsity', before becoming part of the Australian University Games in 1993.

Beginnings

The first InterVarsity match was played in 1908 when a team of women students from Melbourne University Hockey Club traveled to Adelaide, SA, to take on a team from The University of Adelaide. The visitors were entertained with a range of activities - a concert, a dance, a drive to the hills and a skating rink evening, and even a special fire brigade practice, with Adelaide winning the contest 3-1. A return match was played in 1909 on the Melbourne University Oval, and won by the home side 3-0.
The first Men's InterVarsity competition occurred in 1909, between students from Melbourne University Hockey Club and Sydney University Hockey Club, on the Melbourne University Oval. "An invitation was received from the Melbourne University to send a team over some time during the season, which was accepted after due consideration by the committee. It is probable that the visit will take place during the June vacation and a match en route against Wagga or Wangaratta may be arranged." This match was won by Melbourne, 6-2.

Women's InterVarsity Hockey

Early Results

The first two Women's InterVarsity contests were played between Melbourne and Adelaide, with the addition of Sydney in 1910 and The University of Queensland after World War I in 1919.
The University of Western Australia first competed in 1925 and The University of Tasmania in 1929, though both universities did not compete regularly until after World War II.
YearVenueChampion
1908Adelaide, SAThe University of Adelaide
1909Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1910Adelaide, SAThe University of Sydney
1911Melbourne, VICThe University of Sydney
1912Adelaide, SAThe University of Melbourne
1913Sydney, NSWNot contested

Women's Hockey Cup

The Women's Hockey Cup is awarded to the Champion Women's University at InterVarsity Competition.
At the 1912 tournament, it was agreed that purchase of a trophy should be arranged, and the Melbourne University Sports Union was subsequently approached to provide £5 for this purpose. It was unable to assist, but the President of the Sports Union, Professor Baldwin Spencer, offered to "see what could be done privately".
By the time of the next contest in 1914, a 'Championship Cup' had indeed be obtained. When Melbourne won it for the seventh time in 1926, they were deemed to have won the cup outright, however the following year they presented it to be used for perpetual competition.
The inscription reads:
YearVenueChampion
1914Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1915-1918Competition suspended due to World War I
1919Sydney, NSWThe University of Melbourne
1920Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1921Sydney, NSWThe University of Melbourne
1922Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1923Sydney, NSWThe University of Sydney
1924Brisbane, QLDThe University of Queensland
1925Adelaide, SAThe University of Melbourne
1926Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1927Sydney, NSWThe University of Sydney
1928Brisbane, QLDThe University of Sydney
1929Hobart, TASThe University of Melbourne
1930Adelaide, SAThe University of Adelaide
1931Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1932Sydney, NSWThe University of Melbourne
1933Brisbane, QLDThe University of Melbourne
1934Adelaide, SAThe University of Melbourne
1935Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1936Sydney, NSWThe University of Melbourne
1936Sydney, NSWThe University of Queensland
1937Hobart, TASNot contested
1938Hobart, TASUniversity of Tasmania
1939Brisbane, QLDThe University of Melbourne
1940-1945Competition suspended due to World War II
1946Adelaide, SAThe University of Western Australia
1946Adelaide, SAThe University of Melbourne
1946Adelaide, SAThe University of Sydney
1947Melbourne, VICThe University of Adelaide
1948Sydney, NSWThe University of Sydney
1949Brisbane, QLDThe University of Sydney
1950Hobart, TASThe University of Adelaide
1951Adelaide, SAThe University of Adelaide
1952Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1953Perth, WAThe University of Melbourne
1953Perth, WAThe University of Western Australia
1954Hobart, TASThe University of Melbourne
1955Brisbane, QLDThe University of Melbourne
1956The University of Melbourne
1956The University of Sydney
1957Hobart, TASUniversity of Tasmania
1958Perth, WAThe University of Western Australia
1959The University of Melbourne
1960The University of Sydney
1961The University of Adelaide
1962Unknown
1963The University of Western Australia
1964The University of Melbourne
1964The University of Adelaide
1965The University of Melbourne
1966The University of Adelaide
1966The University of Western Australia
1967The University of Adelaide
1968Hobart, TASThe University of Melbourne
1969The University of Melbourne
1970Monash University
1971Adelaide, SAUniversity of Tasmania
1972The University of Sydney
1973The University of Western Australia
1974Adelaide, SAThe University of Western Australia
1975Newcastle, NSWThe University of Western Australia
1976The University of New England
1977Perth, WAThe University of Western Australia
1978Canberra, ACTThe University of Sydney
1979Hobart, TASUniversity of Tasmania
1980Melbourne, VICThe University of New England
1981The University of Queensland
1982Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1983University of Tasmania
1984Wollongong, NSWThe University of Queensland
1985Sydney, NSWThe University of Queensland
1986Adelaide, SAThe University of Sydney
1987Brisbane, QLDThe University of Queensland
1988Newcastle, NSWThe University of Sydney
1989Sydney, NSWUniversity of New South Wales
1990Hobart, TASThe University of Melbourne
1991Perth, WAThe University of New England
1992Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1993Brisbane, QLDThe University of Queensland
1994Wollongong, NSWUniversity of Wollongong
1995Darwin, NTThe University of Sydney
1996Canberra, ACTThe University of Sydney
1997Melbourne, VICDeakin University
1998Melbourne, VICDeakin University
1999Perth, WAThe University of Sydney
2000Ballarat, VICThe University of Sydney
2001Sydney, NSWThe University of Sydney
2002Adelaide, SAThe University of Sydney
2003Newcastle, NSWThe University of Sydney
2004Perth, WAQueensland University of Technology
2005Brisbane, QLDCharles Sturt University
2006Adelaide, SAThe University of Sydney
2007Gold Coast, QLDThe University of Sydney
2008Melbourne, VICQueensland University of Technology
2009Gold Coast, QLDThe University of Western Australia
2010Perth, WAThe University of Western Australia
2011Gold Coast, QLDThe University of Melbourne
2012Adelaide, SAThe University of Sydney
2013Gold Coast, QLDThe University of Melbourne
2014Sydney, NSWThe University of Sydney
2015Gold Coast, QLDThe University of Sydney
2016Perth, WAThe University of Western Australia
2017Gold Coast, QLDThe University of Western Australia
2018Gold Coast, QLDQueensland University of Technology
2019Gold Coast, QLDThe University of Sydney
2020Perth, WANot contested

Number of Wins

Competition Format

The initial format was a head-to-head match between Melbourne and Adelaide. As the competition gradually expanded with the addition of the other sandstone universities, it became a simple round-robin format with the winner being the team with the most points. Whether by accident or design, the competition frequently came down to the final day of matches to determine the winner.
In 1925 Melbourne and Adelaide were tied on points, and an additional 'deciding match' was scheduled. When Melbourne and Queensland tied on points in 1936, the premiership was instead shared, but Melbourne retained the Women's Hockey Cup as they had won it the previous year. In 1946, Western Australia, Melbourne and Sydney all tied for first, with the trophy being awarded to Western Australia on the basis of goal difference.
With the number of competing universities increasing again from the 1960s onwards, the round-robin competition began to be split into two pools, followed by a knockout finals & classification series. As part of the Australian University Games, the round-robin-then-finals format has continued, but whether teams are split into pools varies from year-to-year. Also, depending on numbers the competition may be split into two divisions, with the Women's Hockey Cup and overall InterVarsity premiership going to the winners of the 'Gold Medal match' in Division 1.

Men's InterVarsity Hockey

Early Results

Initial competitions included only Melbourne and Sydney.
YearVenueChampion
1909Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1910Sydney, NSWThe University of Sydney
1911Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1912Sydney, NSWThe University of Melbourne
1913Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1914Sydney, NSWThe University of Melbourne
1915-1918Competition suspended due to World War I
1919Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1920Sydney, NSWThe University of Sydney
1921Melbourne, VICThe University of Sydney
1922Sydney, NSWThe University of Sydney
1923Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1924Sydney, NSWThe University of Sydney

The annual match expanded to a triangular competition in 1924 with the addition of The University of Queensland, and then further when Adelaide joined in 1928. The University of Western Australia first competed in 1934 and The University of Tasmania in 1947.

The Syme Cup

The Syme Cup is awarded to the Champion Men's University at InterVarsity Competition. It was awarded for the first time in 1925, having been donated by Sir George Adlington Syme, the President of Melbourne University Hockey Club.
The inscription reads:
The Cup is affectionately known as "Georgie".
YearVenueChampion
1925Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1926Brisbane, QLDThe University of Melbourne
1927Sydney, NSWThe University of Sydney
1928Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1929Brisbane, QLDThe University of Melbourne
1929Brisbane, QLDThe University of Queensland
1930Adelaide, SAThe University of Sydney
1931Sydney, NSWThe University of Sydney
1932Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1933Brisbane, QLDThe University of Sydney
1933Brisbane, QLDThe University of Queensland
1934Adelaide, SAThe University of Melbourne
1935Sydney, NSWThe University of Sydney
1936Melbourne, VICThe University of Sydney
1936Melbourne, VICThe University of Melbourne
1936Melbourne, VICThe University of Queensland
1937Brisbane, QLDThe University of Melbourne
1938Adelaide, SAThe University of Melbourne
1939Sydney, NSWThe University of Melbourne
1940-1944Competition suspended due to World War II
1945Sydney, NSWThe University of Queensland
1946Perth, WAThe University of Western Australia
1947Melbourne, VICThe University of Adelaide
1948Adelaide, SAThe University of Adelaide
1949Hobart, TASThe University of Queensland
1950Brisbane, QLDThe University of Queensland
1951Sydney, NSWThe University of Sydney
1952Perth, WAThe University of Adelaide
1952Perth, WAThe University of Western Australia
1953Melbourne, VICThe University of Queensland
1954Adelaide, SAThe University of Queensland
1955Hobart, TASUniversity of Tasmania
1956Brisbane, QLDThe University of Queensland
1956Brisbane, QLDThe University of Adelaide
1956Brisbane, QLDThe University of Sydney
1957The University of Adelaide
1958Perth, WAThe University of Queensland
1959Melbourne, VICThe University of Sydney
1960Adelaide, SAThe University of Melbourne
1961Hobart, TASThe University of Sydney
1961Hobart, TASThe University of Western Australia
1962Sydney, NSWThe University of Queensland
1963Brisbane, QLDThe University of Queensland
1964Perth, WAThe University of Queensland
1965Sydney, NSWThe University of Adelaide
1966Adelaide, SAThe University of Queensland
1967Canberra, ACTThe University of Queensland
1968Armidale, NSWThe University of Melbourne
1969Hobart, TASUniversity of Tasmania
1970Melbourne, VICThe University of Western Australia
1971Brisbane, QLDThe University of Queensland
1972Melbourne, VICUniversity of New South Wales
1973Sydney, NSWThe University of Queensland
1973Sydney, NSWUniversity of New South Wales
1974Perth, WAThe University of Western Australia
1975Adelaide, SAUniversity of Tasmania
1976Sydney, NSWThe University of Western Australia
1977Melbourne, VICAustralian National University
1978Canberra, ACTAustralian National University
1979Hobart, TASUniversity of Tasmania
1980Melbourne, VICThe University of Western Australia
1981Brisbane, QLDThe University of Queensland
1982Melbourne, VICThe University of Western Australia
1983Perth, WAAustralian National University
1984Wollongong, NSWAustralian National University
1985Sydney, NSWThe University of Queensland
1986Adelaide, SAThe University of Melbourne
1987Brisbane, QLDUniversity of New South Wales
1988Newcastle, NSWThe University of New England
1989Sydney, NSWThe University of New England
1990Hobart, TASThe University of Melbourne
1991Perth, WAThe University of Melbourne
1992Melbourne, VICRMIT University
1993Brisbane, QLDQueensland University of Technology
1994Wollongong, NSWUnknown
1995Darwin, NTThe University of Western Australia
1996Canberra, ACTUniversity of Canberra
1997Melbourne, VICUniversity of Tasmania
1998Melbourne, VICUniversity of Canberra
1999Perth, WAThe University of Melbourne
2000Ballarat, VICThe University of Melbourne
2001Sydney, NSWRMIT University
2002Adelaide, SACurtin University of Technology
2003Newcastle, NSWRMIT University
2004Perth, WAThe University of Western Australia
2005Brisbane, QLDThe University of Western Australia
2006Adelaide, SAThe University of Western Australia
2007Gold Coast, QLDThe University of Western Australia
2008Melbourne, VICThe University of Western Australia
2009Gold Coast, QLDThe University of Western Australia
2010Perth, WAThe University of Western Australia
2011Gold Coast, QLDThe University of Sydney
2012Adelaide, SAThe University of Melbourne
2013Gold Coast, QLDThe University of Melbourne
2014Sydney, NSWThe University of Queensland
2015Gold Coast, QLDMonash University
2016Perth, WAThe University of Western Australia
2017Gold Coast, QLDThe University of Queensland
2018Gold Coast, QLDThe University of Queensland
2019Gold Coast, QLDThe University of Queensland
2020Perth, WANot contested

Number of Wins

Competition Format

The initial format was a challenge match between Melbourne and Sydney, with the title retained by the holder in the case of a draw. As the competition gradually expanded with the addition of the other sandstone universities, it became a simple round-robin format with the winner being the team with the most points. In the case of multiple teams being tied on points, they would share the premiership, but the Syme Cup was still awarded on a challenge basis; If the holder was one of the joint-winners they would retain the cup, otherwise each of the winners would share custody of it over the year.
After a three-way tie in 1936, it was decided that goal average would be taken into account in determining the winner of the Syme Cup. Joint-winners continued to be declared after World War II, though it is unclear if this was a deliberate or accidental change in policy.
With the number of competing universities increasing again from the 1960s onwards, the round-robin competition began to be split into two pools, followed by a knockout finals & classification series. As part of the Australian University Games, the round-robin-then-finals format has continued, but whether teams are split into pools varies from year-to-year. Also, depending on numbers the competition may be split into two divisions, with the Syme Cup and overall InterVarsity premiership going to the winners of the 'Gold Medal match' in Division 1.

Combined University Teams

As an extension of the Intervarsity Hockey Championships, a representative team was typically named at the conclusion of the carnival. This was known as the Combined Universities Team, or the Australian Universities Team. In years gone by, this combined team would tour New Zealand on a biannual basis and/or play matches against the open state teams of the day. The combined team would often play the Host State's Open State team at the immediate end of the Intervarsity carnival. The last of the New Zealand Tours occurred in the 1980s. Selection in the Combined Universities Team was considered an excellent achievement and many State and even National players have been chosen for these teams.
With the advent of Australian University Games in 1993, the format of naming a 'representative' team was replaced whereby Australian University Sport would name a Green and Gold Merit team. This was essentially done under the same pretence as the Combined University Team, with the best players at the carnival chosen for what is now known as the 'Green and Gold Team'. This team, however, is ceremonious in nature only and does not compete in any matches.

Boat Races

For many years, Boat Races were a formal part of InterVarsity, with heats and finals held throughout the week, and the 'West End Cup' and 'Chuckle Pot' being awarded to the winners.

Summer InterVarsity Hockey

From 1967 until at least the mid 1980s, a 'Summer InterVarsity' for both Men and Women was also arranged, typically around Australia Day.
The inscription on the trophy reads:
Results are engraved from 1967 until 1980. The trophy is currently held by Melbourne.
Known results:
YearVenueChampion
1967Monash University
1968The University of Adelaide
1969Australian National University
1970Monash University
1970Australian National University
1971Australian National University
1972Australian National University
1973Australian National University
1974Flinders University
1974La Trobe University
1975The University of Adelaide
1976Australian National University
1977Australian National University
1978Australian National University
1979Australian National University
1980The University of Melbourne
1983Canberra, ACTThe University of Melbourne
1986Albury, NSWThe University of Melbourne