Two of BC’s oldest sporting organizations renew their rivalry once again this Saturday, February 29th.
We were incorrect back in our September article, when we noted that both JBAA and VRC were established as athletic organizations in 1886. JBAA historian and long time Bay, Lewis Madley, pointed out our error and let us know that, in fact, “VRC was formed April 1st 1899 at a joint meeting of the Vancouver Boating Club founded 1886 and the Burrard Inlet Rowing Club founded 1890.”
So let it be known: both JBAA and the Vancouver Boating Club, which would later become the Vancouver Rowing Club, were established in 1886. Thank you, Lewis!
The two clubs have met yearly in a rugby match since 1908 with the exception of the War Years. In 1938, VRC member A.H. Cox donated a challenge cup for the winning team to hold for the year. In subsequent years a trophy in memory of VRC member R. Ferguson was added for the 2nd team competition. The Cox Cup and Ferguson Cups have made many journeys back and forth across the waters since then. In true rugby spirit, no record has been kept re. wins and losses. Holding the cup the year you win is all that’s important.
JBAA currently holds both cups.
2020’s first matches will be played at MacDonald Park on February 29th. The reserves game kicks off at 12:30 with the Premier kickoff at 2:30 Cup presentation following the game at the House of Bays.