WITH one leg of their end-of-season fight for survival accounted for, CSU will travel to Forbes to take on the Platypi tomorrow in another vital Central West Rugby Union showdown.
After knocking off one finals aspirant last Saturday when they downed Orange City in a thriller at University Oval which got them back into the top five,
the students can almost end Forbes’ season and significantly prolong their own with another win.
The Orange City result put CSU on 39 points in fourth spot, a point clear of Emus and two points clear of Dubbo Rhinos and Forbes in a tight section of the ladder.
Orange City appear to have lost contact after slipping to 34 points.
CSU co-coach Dave Dowell was a happy man after last week and is optimistic about his team’s chances of continuing their winning form.
“Last week was the first time we have had our best side or close to it all playing together even though it was round 15 and we needed to build our combinations – it took a while to feel things out but by the end of the game things were starting to click,” Dowell said.
“Unfortunately the way we have played this year means that it comes down to a game like this one [against Forbes].
“We beat them last time although I don’t think the 35-5 scoreline indicated the game itself, though it remains easily our best defensive effort.”
Lacking some of the flashy play of traditional competition heavyweights like Dubbo ’Roos, Orange Emus and the two Bathurst sides, Forbes have nevertheless built a big reputation as a team which knows how to win important matches.
The 2003 premiers have been perennial finalists and Dowell knows that this is the time of year where they generally hit their stride.
“We aren’t expecting the same score as last time. Forbes have always been slow starters and hard finishers and this year is no different despite their loss last week,” he said.
“Getting back Murray Fraser into their pack will add plenty to their side as well, particularly in terms of leadership, after he didn’t play last week.”
Veteran centre Chris Francis will also be one of the keys for Forbes and as one of the best defensive backs in the competition, his clash with CSU centres Dom Maley and Simon Dowling could be pivotal.
The game will also give university five-eighth Jeff Stewart the chance to put one over his former team-mates, while the CSU forward pack will take a slightly
different look into the match with Jono Murphy moving into tight-head prop for Wal Smythe with Angus Blackwood shifting to breakaway for Jason Wellburn.
CSU: 1 Charlie Croucher, 2 Alex McKendry, 3 Jono Murphy, 4 Richard Jeans, 5 Will Stewart, 6 Josh Maley, 7 Angus Blackwood, 8 Matt Boylan-Smith, 9 Tim White, 10 Jeff Stewart, 11 Tim Ashworth, 12 Simon Dowling, 13 Dom Maley, 14 Matt Coote, 15 Mal Frend.
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