Unicorns go back-to-back in Dewar Shield

Sat, Aug 24, 2019, 9:20 PM
AAP
by AAP
Melbourne took a second straight Dewar Shield title last weekend. Photo: Rugby Victoria
Melbourne took a second straight Dewar Shield title last weekend. Photo: Rugby Victoria

Melbourne have taken out the 2019 Dewar Shield for the second year in a row with a 37-15 win over Box Hill.

In a four tries to two outing, the Unicorns proved to be the better side on the day, backing up their minor premiership regular season finish.

Maciu Nabolakasi had the first try of the day, putting Melbourne on top, and they never looked back from there.

Taimo Matau, Samuel Vaevae and William Lewesi all added to the Unicorns scoresheet in their dominant performance.

James Sooialo's lethal boot delivered an extra 17 points for Melbourne as well, converting each try and adding three penalties as well.

Box Hill fought hard all day, with Leone Cama and Onesema Hafoka scoring tries and Michael Moloney slotting five points off the tee.

Melbourne and fierce rivals Harlequin have had a stranglehold on the trophy for the better part of the last decade but Box Hill were a surprise contender in 2019.

The Unicorns' win gave them the first back-to-back titles in the Dewar Shield since 2015 when the 'Quins completed a hat-trick of titles.

RESULT

Melbourne 37

Tries: Nabolaski, Matau, Vaevae, Lewesi

Cons: Sooialo 4

Pens: Sooialo 3

Box Hill

Tries: Cama, Hafoka

Cons: Moloney

Pens: Moloney

Share
Rugby World Cup 2027 Pool Draw: The ultimate guide for all 24 teams
Modified Rugby Participants forming the guard of honour at the Wallaroos v Wales match in July 2025. Photo Supplied
Rugby Australia to lead national expansion of Modified Rugby Program
 Maurice Longbottom is set to return home to Australia and spend time on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Photo: Getty Images
Longbottom sidelined, Australia A stars earn call-up as Sevens squads confirmed for Cape Town
Ioane Moananu: The new Kiwi Waratah with a 'chip on his shoulder' after Crusaders title success