MEGA GALLERY: All the photos from the 2022 O’Callaghan Cup
Hundreds of players, spectators and out-of-towners cheered on players in the O’Callaghan Cup at the weekend. Check out our mega gallery containing hundreds of photos from the day here.
Toowoomba
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Proud as punch is the best way to describe the feeling of one elated mum whose son proved to be the star of the show at the weekend.
When Bianca Mason travelled from the Sunshine Coast to see her son Alex play in the O’Callaghan Cup, she had high expectations, but little did she know the 14-year-old was selected to be the official face of the event’s program.
It was a particularly special moment for the fullback who played for the 15A Downlands squad, as it also marked the first time in four years that the big sporting event returned to the college grounds.
“Alex has had his struggles and decided he wanted to board at Downlands College so he could focus on rugby and have a fresh start,” Ms Mason said.
“Him being the face on the program proves to me he has come a long way and to put him on the front shows they want him to represent the school.
“I was so excited when I saw – I went around and told anyone who would listen.”
Downlands showed real spirit in their match with their cross-town rivals but Grammar secured a 7-5 win.
See action photos from various games here.
“They played really well and Alex really coached the team to get them defence-ready,” Ms Mason said.
“Downlands has a great rugby program dedicated to developing young men and professional rugby players in a nurturing environment.”
In addition to his mum, Alex’s dad, two brothers and grandparents also made the commute from the Sunshine Coast to see the game.
This year’s O’Callaghan Cup also provided a historic first.
For the first time in the cup’s history girls’ rugby sevens featured on the program.
Lining up against The Glennie School, Downlands claimed the inaugural Selena Worsley Shield winning two of the three games in the series.
Trailing at 12-5 halftime Downlands fought back to secure an 20-12 win.
Captain Erin Chandler played a leading role in the win – scoring twice in the second half.
Despite not being able to lift the shield Glennie captain Seinna Norris was proud of her team’s efforts in the series.
“It was a great opportunity for us and we’re grateful to be a part of such a massive event,” she said.
“The O’Callaghan Cup is a huge event and to have rugby (sevens) as part of it is very special.
“I’m really proud of the team, everyone worked really hard it’s just unfortunate we didn’t get to lift the shield.
“They (Downlands) played well and it was a tough day with the three games.”
Grammar’s 27-21 win in the O’Callaghan Cup reduced the historic ledger to just two wins with Downlands holding a 36 to 34 win advantage.
In the 73-year history of the cup the two schools have tied three times.
See all the photos from the day below.
O’Callaghan Cup reunions rekindle school-time memories
The historic school rivalry between O’Callaghan Cup schools Downlands College and Toowoomba Grammar School is synonymous with rugby union, but is also a special time for reunion of all of the alumni of the schools.
Schoolyard tales tall and true are retold as the past students gather and rekindle friendships at the various reunion celebrations held in the city.
See photos below from the Downlands Long Lunch and the TGS Old Boys’ Association Reunion Weekend welcome function.
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