CUP RIVALS PLAY TIGHT
Single point separates O’Callaghan Cup competitors
RUGBY: Named after five brothers who attended Downlands College, the O’Callaghan Cup stands alongside the Weetwood Handicap and TRL grand final as one of Toowoomba’s showpiece sports events.
Played out between rivals Downlands College and Toowoomba Grammar School, the rugby clash draws thousands of supporters every year.
Plenty of young rugby players have etched their names in school history through their
cup exploits, including the likes of professional stars Tim Horan, Jason Little, Hamish Stewart and Mac Grealy, to name a few.
We’ve had a look a look at the history books to come up with some interesting stats and talking points.
THIN MARGIN
Just one point separates the two schools ahead of this year’s match.
Since it was first called the O’Callaghan Cup in 1950, Grammar and Downlands have produced some thrillers.
There have been plenty of lopsided and high-scoring affairs, but Downlands holds the points scored lead.
According to our calculations, Downlands is winning 1105 to 1104.
GAMES WON
Downlands also has the most cup titles to their name.
Currently the Griffins have 37 cups to Grammar’s 30 with three draws between the rivals.
The 1987 6-6 draw will be remembered as one of the great O’Callaghan cup showdowns.
Jason Little captained Grammar against Downlands team that included Tim Horan – with both players going on to star for the Australian Wallabies.
LATE CONTROVERSY
Grammar’s 2006 victory wasn’t without a little controversy – depending on which school you support.
With their side leading 17-15 and the game appearing to be over, Downlands’ supporters rushed onto the field to celebrate.
Match officials however had a different view and informed both sides that there was still “time to play”.
Grammar had possession and duly converted a penalty goal to claim an 18-17 win.
GREALY THE GREAT
Downlands holds the longest winning streak – taking home the cup six times between 1991 and 1996.
Grammar was on track to equal that streak leading 20-21 with a minute left in the 2019 encounter. However Downlands fullback Mac Grealy had other ideas.
Grealy, who plays for the Queensland Reds, scored one of the cup’s greatest ever tries.
Taking possession of the ball, Grealy said all he could see were Grammar players and opportunity.
“I looked up and saw a lot of Grammar blokes, but I saw the way they were defending that if I could get inside and put a few moves on I could hope they’d come off,” Grealy said.
“I had to shrug off a few hits. They’re a big team with strong boys, but I thought if I can take the hits I can certainly dish them out too.”
Grealy shrugged off a number of tackles as he stepped and wove his way through Grammar’s defence to score near the posts with Downlands sealing a memorable 27-21 win.