“I ended up with a tag in my head and bled a lot but had no idea how bad it was until halftime. That was rugby in those days, rougher, harder and you just kept going.”— Malcolm Powell, TGS 1948-52
On Saturday, 16 August, Toowoomba Grammar School and Downlands College will take to the field once more for the 76th annual O’Callaghan Cup, an iconic rugby fixture rich in tradition, rivalry and pride.
This year’s match holds special meaning, as it marks 75 years since the very first O’Callaghan Cup clash in 1950. Among those who remember the early days is Malcolm Powell, a proud TGS Old Boy (1948-52) who played fullback for the First XV in 1951.
Malcolm, now in his nineties, still vividly recalls the thrill of those early games.
“I watched the first Cup from the sidelines, I was in the Thirds that year,” Malcolm recalls.
“Downlands won that match (15-6), but that was fitting really because they had donated the Cup after all.”
The following year, Malcolm was excited to be selected for the First XV and had the privilege of taking the field.
“We won that match pretty easily (6-0),” he says. “We led from start to finish.”
And it was a tough game.
It was a different era, there was no grandstand tunnel, no media build-up and only a few hundred spectators.
“It didn’t have the hype like it does now,” Malcolm reflects. “There wasn’t the crowd or the fanfare, but we were so proud to play. At the end of the game we just shook hands, accepted the result and waited for the presentation. It was about the game.”
That game in 1951 was one of two that year, an unusual occurrence.
“I don’t remember why we had two,” he chuckles. “Might have been the wet weather playing havoc with the GPS season and we needed to pick up an extra game. But I remember the cheering when we won. That always stays with you.”
Malcolm has watched the O’Callaghan Cup grow from a modest schoolboy fixture into a celebrated event drawing thousands of spectators each year.
“It’s amazing to see what it’s become. I’ve been to quite a few games over the years. I love the atmosphere, and the boys always put on a great game. I hope to be there this year. TGS needs the win!”
Currently, the tally stands even: 36 wins apiece with three draws - testament to the fierce but respectful rivalry between the schools.
“It’s always been about sportsmanship as much as competition,” Malcolm notes.
Beyond rugby, Malcolm embraced every part of school life. A Prefect in 1951, he was involved in athletics, swimming, cricket, cadets and school plays.
“I was sport mad,” he admits. “But what I loved most was the camaraderie. Mates were mates. You could rely on each other—something that came from the spirit of the times after the War.”
His achievements speak volumes about his character. In 1951 alone, he was named Best All-Rounder and he won numerous Speech Day prizes from 1948 to 1951, including the Belford Prize and the Kelvin Boys Memorial Prize for English and Physics. A scholarship to university to study Engineering followed, made possible by his academic excellence.
“TGS was a great place for me,” Malcolm says. “My older brother was there too. He helped guide me. The Headmaster set a good example, we had to stand up and own our actions. That stayed with me.”
From the bloodied rucks of the 1950s to today’s fast-paced matches, Malcolm Powell has witnessed firsthand the enduring legacy of the O’Callaghan Cup and the spirit of Toowoomba Grammar School. His memories are more than stories they’re part of the fabric that has shaped 75 years of tradition.
As the current First XV prepares to take the field, they carry with them the hopes of the School and the pride of those who came before them. If you’re at the game this year, look out for Malcolm in the crowd. He’ll be there, cheering on the Blue and Gold, just like he’s so many years before.
More information about the history of Grammar Downlands Day and this year’s program of events is available on our website.
Latest Blog
Beyond the Blue and Gold
Our focus is to work with each individual student to assist in creating awareness of the world of work, helping students to articulate their interests and identifying what is important to them and their values. We assist the boys in developing the skills to explore the different careers out there. We connect them with employers and industry professionals and help them navigate towards the job or career they are interested in. We work hard to individualise each student’s unique School journey to…
Character and Wellbeing – The Grammar Way
Legacy of Leadership: The Impact of John Mackintosh at Toowoomba Grammar School Toowoomba Grammar School’s first Headmaster, John Mackintosh (1876–1879) led the School with the demeanour of a typical Victorian father figure. His leadership was steadfast and nurturing, with decisions that were definitive and meticulously aimed at creating an environment that was conducive to a boy’s character and learning outcomes. Mackintosh introduced recreational activities such as chess and draughts…
2024 IBSC Conference
It is part of our Strategic Plan's People Pillar which is "build a high-performing culture that supports the wellbeing and development of staff, who exemplify the TGS values and share our commitment to the growth of our boys". In fact, that focus was acknowledged in our receiving The Educator’s 2024 5-Star Employer of Choice award. The Award acknowledges excellence in providing professional development opportunities and nurturing a culture of inclusion and respect. So it was with great pleasure…
Filmmaker, Storyteller and Visionary
From his days as a boarding student at Toowoomba Grammar School, where he first dipped his toes into the world of filming GPS sporting events, to his current roles as sports documentarian and founder of the Outback Film Club, Clancy’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Establishing Outback Film Club has been a real triumph The echoes of school war cries reverberating around the Chandler Aquatic Centre in 2011 marked the start of Clancy’s cinematic journey.…
A Cut Shot Above The Rest
Ben’s sport takes him to the best beaches on the planet, but his love of volleyball began back at Toowoomba Grammar School, inspired after seeing his older brother play. As Ben explains, he was hooked:
Gummingurru Excursion - Deep Time History of Australia on our Doorstep
Gummingurru is unique in being the best-preserved initiation site in southeast Queensland, including bora rings and various stone arrangements that have ancient links to the totems and kinship practices of the Jarowair and Giabal people of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, as well as the broader region within the highly significant cultural landscape of the Bunya Mountains. The boys were welcomed to, and guided through, the site and its learning centre by Mr Shannon Bauwens, a Western Wakka…
Responding to Negative Peer Interactions
As we approach the end of Term 3, we find it is typically a time when boys start to get tired and emotional and are most likely to make poor decisions that can lead to relationship challenges between peers. Comments and humour shared between mates that may have been received without concern in the first week of the term may change as boys start to tire and their tolerance levels decrease. This may lead to boys reacting with heightened and overly emotional responses. This is normal as boys are…
Boarding is who we are
Our boarders make up nearly one third of our student cohort from Years 5 to 12, which enables us to consider the boarding experience in all that we do at the School. Every boarding experience at TGS is about equipping boys with the skills to function as a student and preparing them for their future.
Making a Positive Impact with Homework Assistance
The Anglicare Homework Assistance Program (HAP), run in conjunction with Darling Heights State School, sees many of our boys volunteer their time on Wednesdays after class to help many young refugee and primary school students facing challenging times with their homework, or to chat and play games. Our boys thoroughly enjoy meeting, supporting and learning about the lives of the younger children. This forges community connections and fosters inclusion for the Darling Heights students; it also…
