Downlands, Grammar and Glennie gear up for massive rugby day

CAPTAINS’ CALL: Downlands, Glennie and Grammar schools are gearing up for a massive day of school rugby this Saturday. Here’s what the First Team captains had to say ahead of one of Toowoomba’s showpiece sporting events.

Ili Baravilala in action for Toowoomba Grammar School 1st XV against St Joseph's College. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Lille Merlow will do her best to make sure her voice is heard among the sea of thousands cheering Downlands First VII girls rugby side this Saturday.

Ruled out by an untimely injury, the Downlands vice-captain will lead from the sideline when her team takes on The Glennie School for the Selena Worsley Shield.

“I’ve had torn ligaments in my foot for over a year,” Merlow said.

“I finally got in to see a specialist because I had a small break in my calendar … finally deciding to get it checked out and he decided to operate the following day (Friday, August 16).

“Not being able to take to the field is pretty devastating but I’m still here for the girls. I’m still showing. I’m transitioning into a mentor role, not just for our A squad but for our B (squad) as well to lift the girls up and try create that culture for the following years.”

While Downlands First VII coach Jordan Smith will have the final say, Merlow said she will readily speak up if she thinks it will help her side.

With her great understanding of the game and high rugby sevens IQ she will be a big asset to the team – even on the sideline.

“Mr Smith obviously has the last say,” Merlow said.

“But I will mention things that I see, things I think we should be adopting into our game on the day.

“I’ll also speak to the girls personally to try and capitalise on their talents and have the best game we can.

“I like how well we play as a team, we are a tight knit group.

“When we come together as a team, when the mindset that’s when we play our best footy.

“We’re communicating, we have our hands up, heads switched on and we tackle and run the footy until the very end.”

Downlands First VII captain Francesca Daboul

First time captain

“I came to Downlands in year 10 and have been part of the rugby team ever since.

“It (being captain) is super exciting especially moving up through the ranks.

“When I first started I was the youngest in the team and I looked up to the year 12s and now I’m in a leadership position.

“There is extra pressure being captain, you need to be the glue and keep talking.

“The key is being honest, telling the girls what they need to hear so to play our best.”

Team strengths

“It’s truly an honour to play for this team.

“We’ve really gelled as a team. No one is out there playing for themselves.

“There is plenty of good talk and back each other all the way.”

The Glennie School

The Glennie School will look to defend its title this weekend and captain Anna Park has laid down the gauntlett, declaring her side even stronger than the one which came away victorious in 2023.

“I am excited, we have a young squad and everyone’s really versatile so we spread the ball really well so I am excited to see that,” she said.

“I think we have a better team this year and we get to play on the main field which is good.

“I feel like there’s a lot more trust this year and they’re pretty fit, we play league, touch and a lot of rugby so I think we’ve all improved.

“Our fitness has definitely improved and our passing is really good and we have a few good kickers.

“We have some new girls and they’ve come to Glennie for rugby so that’s helped us a lot too.”

The Glennie School rugby captain Anna Park

As Park and her teammates prepare to play in front of the biggest crowds they face in away territory, the Glennie captain beleives a strong start will be key.

“That would be good to go out strong but obviously everyone will be nervous, the crowd is nerve-racking but you just got to take a few breaths,” she said.

“Downlands are pretty strong in the middle, so I think that will be tough, the first game will be tough.”

Park has been with the squad since year seven and was honoured to take up the captaincy in her final year of school while also acting as an inspiration for the younger players.

“I have improved a lot since then (year seven), so it is exciting for me in my last year to be playing,” she said.

“It is exciting to lead the squad.”

O’Callaghan Cup

The rugby union rivalry between Downlands College and Toowoomba Grammar School dates back to 1931 – the year Downlands was founded.

The two schools have played a rugby match against each other every year since with the showdown officially recognised as the O’Callaghan Cup in 1950.

Named in honour of brothers Jim, John, Frank, Michael and Bryan O’Callaghan, the cup is one of Toowoomba’s biggest sporting events drawing crowds of 5000-plus every year.

The winning records of Downlands College and Toowoomba Grammar School.

How many points Downlands College and Toowoomba Grammar School have scored during the O’Callaghan Cup.

Downland First XV captain Jake Stephens

“I’m beyond excited. It (the O’Callaghan Cup) is all I’ve been thinking about for a while now this is our main game.

“I played in 2022 and 2023 which were both narrow losses, obviously pretty devastated to lose those two but it’s all part of the process so we will get it this year.”

Team strengths

“I love all of these boys, they’re like my brothers.

“We’re a tight knit group and we’d go out there and die for each other, we’re really good friends and that is going to help us in this game.

“The cup is about who goes out there and gives it their all.

“We have to go out there give it everything and we can’t give up.

“Grammar does not go away and we won’t either.

“I guarantee every boy that goes out on that pitch will give it their all.

“We’re a really good forward team so I’m excited to see us go forward and then hit wide and hopefully go over.”

Downlands First XV captain Jake Stephens.

Downlands First XV vice-captain Ben Lotz.

Downlands First XV vice-captain Ben Lotz

“Everyone is excited it’s probably the most exciting week of the year for most of these boys and myself.

“This my third cup. I am way more excited for my third one, I think it gets more and more exciting every year.

Team strength

“I’m very confident of the boys’ ability to pitch up and really give it to them (Grammar).

“We never give up no matter. We can be getting hammered by boys twice our size but we also get up and give it our all.

“Passion, heart is very important and we come together as team as well, we gel really well which helps.”

Grammar First XV captain Joe Gray

“It’s a great day of footy – the (Grammar) Old Boys and supporters really get around and it’s a great day to be out there with your mates.

“I was fortunate enough to play in 2023. It (playing this year) is a different type of excitement, different group of boys but still closest mates and playing against I know of few of the Downlands boys and how great they are.

Form no concern

“It’s not the (GPS Rugby) start we were hoping for.

“We’ve had some low moments and some high moments.

“It was a great game against Nudgee (College) on the weekend we showed them how good we can be.

“We have grown a lot as a group and I think we’re ready to show Downlands and everyone that this weekend.

“We’re a quick, athletic team, we like to play running rugby and have fun doing it.

“It’s a great contest, we love it and we know Downlands love it.

“Downlands never give up, they’re a great side and they will be a great side this weekend you can never count them out of the battle.”

Toowoomba Grammar School 1st XV captain Joe Gray talks to the team in a break against Ipswich Grammar School. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Grammar First XV vice-captain Ili Baravilala

“I’ve been at Grammar since last year. I love everything about the school, everything they have to offer sport, academics, all of it.

“I was privileged enough to be play in the O’Callaghan Cup last year as part of the Firsts and it was such a good experience.

“You don’t know to expect until you’re really out there and feel the atmosphere.

“You don’t remember the first 10-15 minutes – it’s such a privilege to be part of a game that has so much meaning to the town.”

Keys to captaincy

“You want to be behind the captain the whole way, keep the boys accountable.

“But it’s not like the captains are up here (higher) and the rest of the team are down here (lower) and we’re bossing everyone around.

“A good leader is a good listener.

“So as long as I can listen to Joey, listen to what he says and his advice for the team … that’s the best thing I can do, be right behind him.

“I fully believe with all my heart that we have the heart and the will to do it (win the big moments).

“We also have a willingness to play footy, have a crack, have some fun out there.

“We’re a fast, running team and it’s exciting to be out there.”