Battle for the ages as University Blacks and Blues meet for first time since ’82.

Media Release, Friday 16 May 2008

The University of Melbourne’s two premier football squads, the University Blacks and University Blues, are set to write a new chapter in their history when they meet head to head on the field for the first time in 26 years.

The Blues and Blacks are the successors to the University VFL club which ceased competition at the end of the 1914 season because of the large number of students enlisting in the military forces. Saturday’s clash at the University Oval is the first time the two teams have met since 1982.

Both clubs have been extremely successful in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, or VAFA. The Blacks have won the A section premiership 13 times (more than any other team), and most recently won back to back senior section premierships in 2004 and 2005. The Blues have the best record of any VAFA club in competing at the top level of amateur football, having contested A Grade for 53 of the past 59 years.

The Blues currently sit just outside the top 4, with three wins from their first five games. The Blacks meanwhile are still searching for their first win, and will be primed for a big performance against their clubhouse rivals.

While the club is in its 150th year, a full program of centenary activities is being organized for 2009.

Event details:
University Blacks v University Blues
2pm Saturday, May 17
@ Melbourne University Oval, Parkville
Melways Ref: 2B D5