Crawford Shield
North Sydney Boys' High School and Melbourne High School compete annually for the Crawford Shield, taking in turn to host the exchange or travel as the guest school. The exchange is held in late March, and extends over two days. In recent years the visiting team has made their forward journey on Saturday evening, returning home on Tuesday evening. Accommodation for visiting students is provided by the families of the host school.
The association of the two schools dates back to 1959, when a cricket team from Melbourne
visited North Sydney. In subsequent years the game was increased to two days and the date changed to March so
that final year boys could more easily take part. The competition was first expanded in 1969 when, at the
invitation of the Melbourne Headmaster, North Sydney sent a Water Polo and Swimming team to Melbourne in company
with the cricketers. During the first visit, it was agreed that the Water Polo fixture should become a permanent
part of the exchange. In 1971 Squash and Tennis were included in the program, and Athletics was added in 1972.
Chess was included for the first time in 1975 and in 1976 Golf and debating teams also competed. Basketball
was introduced in 1979. Lawn Bowls
and Table Tennis were added in 1990 and Sailing and Fencing in 1992. The Crawford Shield (inaugurated in 1972)
is awarded to the overall winner from these events. Now this annual event includes up to 15 activities: athletics,
basketball, chess, cricket, debating, fencing, golf, lawn bowls, music, sailing,
squash, table tennis, volleyball, water polo and futsal (indoor soccer).
