The game is the major attraction for a fundraising day for the Mark Leslie Foundation. Leslie, a member of the NSW under-16s and Oakhill College first XV, broke his neck, becaming a quadriplegic, during a training match in 2005.

The 21 year-old is currently completing his Bachelor of Management in Sport and Exercise at UTS. Funding this project will make his dream come true of becoming a sport event manager in the disability sector. It also helps him continue to play wheelchair rugby for NSW.

The on-field action commences at 11am with some junior rugby and a Waratahs coaching clinic, with the main game kicking off at 1.30pm.

There will be a Lions Club sausage sizzle and a signed Waratah jersey and gift vouchers are up for grabs in the raffle.

The Tah Man from Visy’s, who sponsors the day, will make a special appearance at lunchtime. Entry cost is by a gold coin donation.

Six Illawarra players will feature in the Country team. Bowral Blacks’ fullback Jack Gates will be joined by Luke Rosa (Woonona), Andrew Black, Ed Whiteman, Jamie Petero (Camden) and Grant Staples (Engadine Lions).

Oakhill thrashed a rag tag Highlands team at last year’s inaugural match, but despite winning two of their three division one ISA games this season the Cockatoos should see off the Sydneysiders.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Friday, July 18