Historical information

The Conder Shield was sponsored by Major Wally Conder, a keen sportsman (amongst other occupations,) who sought to promote wrestling and boxing during his time as president of the Victorian Amateur Wrestling and Boxing Association. Presented to the winning club of the Inter-Club Gymnasium Competition, over a series of matches in individual athleticism. These included skipping, roller cycling and chinning bar, as well as light-weight, middle-weight and welter-weight wrestling. The clubs that vied for this shield were the Trojans (from the RVIB), Bonbeach Surf and Life Saving Club and Beattie's Physical Culture School.
In 1934, the Trojans team consisted of Neil Westh, Charlie Bradley, A. McDonald, T. Hanlon, B. Cook and coach/captain V. Blucher.
Mr Henry Vincent Blucher was a former police constable to lost his sight in 1931 due to a car accident, and who had previously held the title of Victorian novice middleweight.
Metal plates on shield read:
V.A.G.A. Inter-club gym contest 1933-34 Won by "Trojans" B.P.C.C.
V.A.G.A. Inter-club gym contest 1935 Won by V.R.I. Gym Club
Won by "Trojans" 1936
Won by "Trojans" 1937
Runners Up Bonbeach 1934
Runners Up Trojans 1935
Runners Up "Achilles" 1936
Runners Up "Achilles" 1937
Achilles Runners Up 1938
Presented by W.T. Conder

Physical description

Image of wooden shield with metal plaques and map of Australia

Inscriptions & markings

Inter-Club Gymnasium Competition conducted by Victorian Amateur Gymnasium Association