01 Nov 2013
The Melbourne Renegades has confirmed it will bring some of the world’s best T20 cricketers to Ballarat for two free pre-season matches at Eastern Oval on Sunday 15 December.
The move is part of the club’s regional and development strategy, which aims to create interest, awareness and participation in cricket in country areas.
The Renegades have partnered the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), the City of Ballarat, Ballarat Cricket Association, the Department of Justice and Ballarat Regional Tourism to deliver the Wipe off 5 – Ballarat Bush Bash this summer.
Melbourne Renegades Chief Executive Stuart Coventry was delighted to welcome the TAC on board as naming rights partner for the Wipe off 5 – Ballarat Bush Bash.
“We’ve developed a strong relationship with the TAC during the past two seasons and I’m certainly pleased we can continue our work together in the lead-up to BBL|03,” he said.
“It’s important to spread the road safety message across Australia and we look forward to using the Wipe off 5 – Ballarat Bush Bash as an avenue to achieve this in Ballarat and the surrounding regions.”
TAC Senior Manager of Marketing Simon Strahan said while speed can be a great asset on the cricket field, it can be potentially deadly on our roads.
"The TAC is excited to be joining forces with the Renegades in Ballarat, where the community really embraced our Wipe off 5 campaign in August," Strahan said.
"Particularly in the lead-up to Christmas, with more people on our roads, it's vital when Victorians get behind the wheel that they watch their speedos and stick to the limit."
The Renegades will visit the goldfields city on Friday 13 December for a series of junior super-clinics, before returning for an open training session and overnight stay on Saturday 14 December ahead of Sunday’s two practice matches.
The majority of the Renegades squad is expected to make its way along the Western Freeway for the Wipe off 5 – Ballarat Bush Bash.
Renegades Captain and BBL|02 Player of the Season Aaron Finch will lead the team in its first serious hit-out to launch the BBL|03 campaign.
His squad was recently strengthened with the signing of Australian Test bowlers James Pattinson and Peter Siddle, and the re-signing of leading Test wicket-taker Muthiah Muralidaran, Australia A batsman Alex Doolan, and T20I leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed.
Coventry said the camp would include team training and activities, junior clinics, photo opportunities, autograph signings and two Sunday afternoon practice matches against the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy.
“This is the first time we’ll have the majority of the team in one place since BBL|02, so it’s extremely important in terms of preparation for our opening derby on 20 December,” Coventry said.
“It will also be the first time our new signings take to the field, which is something Ballarat can be excited about.
“The Renegades already have a strong following in the central highlands and we know it’s an area passionate about its sport – particularly cricket. The facilities are of high standard and we’re receiving excellent support from the City of Ballarat and Ballarat Cricket Association to make this happen.
“We’re going to deliver a taste of the KFC T20 Big Bash League to the bush and look forward to bringing the Renegades’ unique brand of entertainment to town.”
City of Ballarat Mayor John Burt OAM said the announcement was a huge coup for Ballarat.
“As a city we pride ourselves on our ability to host first class sporting events so to have the Melbourne Renegades here in December will be a thrill for residents of all ages,” Cr Burt said.
“The Ballarat community looks forward to welcoming the Renegades players and support crew here in December and we wish them the best of luck for a successful competition season.”
Ballarat Cricket Association Vice President David Nichols said the event would be “a great energizer for the cricketing community” following the tragic news of the passing of former President Alan Parker.
“It’s going to be a major boost for all levels of cricket in Ballarat to secure such a game in the town,” Nichols said.
“The Ballarat Cricket Association and the City of Ballarat are working very closely with the Renegades to ensure the whole venture is a success, and we anticipate several thousand people at the game.
“We’re also excited the Renegades are able to come and visit schools and run clinics for kids and umpires in the area. The whole project is a boost for the people of Ballarat.”
Renegades mascot ‘Sledge’ will make an appearance at the games, and supporters will have the opportunity to show they’re on red by visiting the team’s membership and merchandise marquees on the day.
The TAC will be strongly promoting and endorsing the Wipe off 5 message in the days leading up to and during Sunday's games.
Ballarat residents will be called upon to show how they are wiping off 5 this holiday season, with a money-can't-buy prize up for grabs.
“Our regional supporter-base is an important part of the Renegades family and we’re looking forward to a solid hit-out in front of a big Ballarat crowd,” Coventry said.
“This will be a full-on session for the team and a great opportunity to see some of the world’s best cricketers in action at a quality regional venue.”
The Renegades will take on the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy at Eastern Oval from 11am on Sunday 15 December. Entry is free.
Register now at www.melbournerenegades.com.au/ballarat to become an Official Ballarat Supporter and receive a FREE Melbourne Renegades induction pack in the mail.
Induction packs include a BBL|03 season preview booklet, Renegades sticker and Sledge (mascot) colouring-in sheet.
Above: Melbourne Renegades chief executive officer Stuart Coventry, Central Highlands regional cricket manager Campbell Waring, Ballarat deputy mayor Samantha McIntosh and TAC senior marketing manager Simon Strahan at the Eastern Oval launch.
Contacts
Media queries only:
- Nicolas McGay, 0403 710 889 or Nicolas_McGay@tac.vic.gov.au
- Alex White, 0419 529 505 or Alex_White@tac.vic.gov.au
- Devon McGillicuddy, 0466 029 169 or Devon_McGillicuddy@tac.vic.gov.au
Please refer any other enquiries to:
- Online form
- Tel: 1300 654 329
- Email: info@tac.vic.gov.au