BY SAM DEBENHAM
15 Jul, 2011 04:00 AM
CSU (Charles Sturt Uni) will be hoping for a huge crowd for their clash with Narromine tomorrow at University Oval for two main reasons, one of which is naturally to try and help their side snap a horror run of results in the Central West Rugby Union.
But as well as looking for vocal supporters to help them upset the competition leading Gorillas, they will also be out to do their bit for charity.

With one of the competition’s strongest clubs visiting, the students are expecting a big crowd for Parents’ Day and are donating all their gate takings to cystic fibrosis charity 65 Roses.

“A lot of the guys at the club went to school with Nathan Charles, who plays hooker for the Western Force, and last year it made a bit of news when he found out he had cystic fibrosis,” one of the fundraising organisers Sam Orders explained.

“He spoke at our Old Boys day at how he deals with it and how he has coped.

“One in four children are born with the gene that leads to the disease and of those that do end up getting it, there is a 30 per cent chance that they won’t live to 20. Most don’t make it to 30.

“All the grades are getting involved and doing something to raise money, the first graders are running a calcutta, the second graders have a raffle and will be wearing red shorts and socks and the thirds and colts will be holding raffles as well.”

Traditionally the gala days at University Oval have attracted huge crowds, a good example this year being the Lady’s Day event where a huge group of spectators witnessed a classic last-minute CSU win over Orange City.

CSU coach Morgan Grivas will be desperate to see his first graders rediscover some of that winning form against arguably the best team in the competition.

“After last weekend and the weekend before [losses to Parkes and Rhinos] which were both very disappointing efforts, this is going to be a real test of the guys’ willingness to be playing first grade,” Grivas said.

“It will really challenge them as to whether they can take something from the back end of the season.

“Narromine are definitely in some good form, everyone knew they would still be a good side this year with that core of players that have taken them to the last few grand finals.

“They are so solid all-round. If we can get some pace and get over the advantage line and really bend back the middle of their defence, then you can start to attack a little more so that is critical.”

The two sides enjoy a strong and good natured rivalry and have turned on some humdingers in recent seasons, particularly at University Oval.

That rivalry, coupled with the likelihood of a strong and vocal crowd, gives Grivas hope that his team can lift for the occasion.

CSU do battle with Narromine from 3.15pm tomorrow afternoon.

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