TGS’ dominance continues with 9th O’Callaghan Cup in 10 years
Grammar and Downlands produced another O’Callaghan Cup clash for the ages. Catch up on the game, the top performers, the talking points and check out our 65+ photo gallery here.
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Richard Dean and Chace Oates were the stars in a Grammar side forced to ‘fight’ for a dramatic O’Callaghan Cup win at the weekend.
The duo played leading roles in five of Grammar’s six tries against age-old rivals Downlands.
Their work however, would’ve been for nothing if not for Grammar’s herculean goal line defence which held off a late Downlands onslaught to secure a 38-33 win.
“We are definitely chuffed that we won,” Grammar’s captain George Griffiths said.
“We were hoping that we could get away with a better win if I’m honest.
“To their (Downlands) credit, they certainly stuck it to us and it was a great game of footy.’
While not overly happy with the scoreline, the lock praised the defensive resolve and concentration of his team.
“Credit to our boys for holding on at the end there, we defended a lot of phases on our (goal) line, and managed to keep them out,” he said.
“It was an awesome effort from Downlands.
“They were tough and they fought us the whole game and in the end, it was a great effort from both sides.”
Playing at home, Grammar got off to an early lead and looked to be in total control at 12-0.
It wasn’t until the 18th minute when some individual brilliance from Heath Lindenmayer put Downlands on the board.
The remainder of the half was a back and forth affair with Grammar taking a 26-12 lead into the break.
The second 35 was flipped on its head.
With the wind behind them, Downlands started kicking with more authority and had the run of momentum.
Crossing for three tries and restricting Grammar to two, the game was a one score contest with a touch over 13 minutes to go.
Downlands pinned Grammar in their own half for much of the remaining 10 minutes, and looked certain to cross a good half-a-dozen times.
However, Grammar’s tremendous goal line defence proved a hurdle to great for Downlands, leading to a long pass from the ruck to Lindenmayer.
The rugby gods however abandoned Lindenmayer during the most crucial play of the game, as he fumbled and knocked on the ball in the 73rd minute of the game; sealing the loss and giving Grammar their fourth win on the trot.
Grammar have now won nine of the last 10 Cups and now trail Downlands 37-34.
TOP FIVE PERFORMERS
Richard Dean: The Grammar fullback was huge in his team’s win. Scoring a brilliant individual try, and setting up a second, Dean was awarded the TGS Old Boys’ Player of the Match trophy for his efforts.
Chace Oates: A proven performer, the centre was yet again one of the best on the field. His kicking game, change of speed and ability to find the right pass all proved vital in his side’s narrow victory.
Heath Lindenmayer: The Downlands centre was their best on ground. Crossing for an individual beauty and equally as sound in defence, he impressed.
Jake Stephens: Busting a gut on every play and always in the contest, the Downlands flanker was the pick of the forwards in his side.
George Griffiths: The Grammar captain’s ability to rally his side during crucial moments and his work in and around the scrum were vital in his side’s win.
TOP FIVE TALKING POINTS
Centre battle
Both number 12s had their fingerprints on everything.
Grammar’s Chace Oates had a few try involvements and made some clutch kicks from the spot. His opposing number Jake Stephens was arguably the better of the two, picking up the MVP for his efforts.
Stephens was a menace in attack, and made a number of breaks out of nothing.
The elements
Brutally cold and covered in shade on the Mary Street end, the wind was blowing a gale the entire game.
The wind was very disruptive to both side’s kicking game when headed towards Mary St, so much so that a number of restarts ended up bouncing back into the kicking side’s half. Conversions and long-range kicks were also effected.
The team with the end behind them in each half had a clear advantage.
Scrum dominance
TGS were in complete control for the majority of the scrums, their pack was strong and well drilled.
They were by far the better of the two schools until the final five minutes when the Downlands pack flicked a switch out of sheer desperation and fought back.
Opposing game plans
It was clear from the outset that Grammar’s game plan play was to shift it wide and attack through their backs whenever possible.
This is in complete contrast to Downlands who, while facilitated individual efforts from their backs, where a much more grindy outfit that thrived on mauls and attacking in numbers through their forwards.
Errors
It may sound cliche, however, if it weren’t for errors, Downlands could very well have their hands back on the Cup.
While Grammar were not immune to their own errors and mistakes, it was those of Downlands that proved the most costly.
Frequent errors after regaining momentum, unforced errors through lack of concentration and some 50/50 calls that didn’t go their way, Downlands were their own worst enemy.
PHOTO GALLERY
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