Charles Sturt University know they have it all to lose and everything to prove in Saturday’s annual charity fundraising match against Ag College.
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For the third year in a row, Aggies are switching sports and taking on their fellow university club at Aussie rules at Peter Hastie Oval.
But when it’s all for a good cause the Bushpigs are willing to risk being beaten at their own game by a rugby union club.
“It’s a fantastic thing to have out at the uni to build camaraderie with the Aggies and have a bit of fun,” CSU president Harry Unthank said.
The event was instigated by Aggies two years ago in support of one of their biggest fans, Angus Pennington, who has cerebral palsy.
The clubs raised around $25,000 in 2016 and close to $40,000 last year for ‘Angus Aims for Independence’ and ‘Cootamundra Carers’, two charities which aim to help young adults in the Cootamundra area to be able to live independently.
A cash draw and an action – including guernseys – will be held at a Saturday night function at the William Farrer Hotel. This year, the Bushpigs will donate their share of fundraising to the Josh Hanlon Foundation.
“It’s super important for us,” Unthank said.
“Kelsey Hanlon plays netball for us so helping out Josh and the family is of utmost importance. We want to do our bit.”
Unthank acknowledged the Pigs are the ones under pressure with their rivals having nothing to lose.
“That’s exactly right and the last couple of years it was a bit close for comfort,” he said.
“They did a pretty good job of it last year and the year before and they’ll give it a crack. Our boys had a bit of fun the last couple of years and only just got over the line. Hopefully it’s not as close this year!”
CSU have learnt to be wary of the rugby-playing opposition.
“There are a few Aggies who were really good. Hamish Pennington played bloody well last year. Matt Harris is good and Tom Macleay as well,” Unthank said.
The Pigs’ preparation hasn’t been particularly professional.
“Absolutely zero training,” Unthank said. “Last time our boys went for a run was probably the (Farrer League) elimination final. Hopefully they’ve still got a bit in the legs.”
The Bushpigs won’t entertain the prospect of playing the Aggies at the 15-man game, knowing that if they tried to play rugby, the outcome may not be pretty.
For the second year, there is also a women’s fixture, starting at 1pm. To ensure an even encounter, players from both clubs will split across the two teams.
The Bushpigs and Aggies men’s game starts at 2.30pm.
- Limited tickets remain available for Saturday night’s dinner. For more information contact Harry Unthank on 0407 055 206
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