Families in Mildura will be able to soak up the atmosphere of the Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) with the announcement of a Melbourne Renegades ‘Live Site’ on December 29th in conjunction with the Towards Zero Willowfest Cricket Championships.
The double header of men’s and women’s cricket matches between the Renegades and the Perth Scorchers at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium will be screened live on a big screen at the conclusion of the popular Tankard Dental Willowfest Whack and Willowfest Express events, held at the Mildura Senior College Oval on Deakin Avenue.
Renegades mascots Sledge and Willow will be in attendance at the free event, as well as Cricket Victoria staff who will be conducting MILO T20 Blast activities for juniors and providing Renegades giveaways
The match will also have an added edge, not only because Western Australia’s own Kim Hughes will be in attendance as the 2016 Towards Zero Willowfest Ambassador, but also because it will be Brad Hogg’s first match against his old side since signing for the Renegades earlier this month.
Regional Cricket Manager Tom Huf said it was exciting to see the event come to Mildura and promote the T20 game to kids and families.
“The success of the BBL and WBBL has been fantastic and the live site will not only be a great way to bring the Big Bash to Mildura, but will also show kids that they can create their own T20 moment by signing up to play for their local club in the MILO T20 Blast.”
Though a live site was held in Shepparton last season, the Mildura live site will be the first home game from Etihad Stadium broadcast to a live site.
“The Willowfest committee and the Renegades are also working on a few other surprises to make it a special evening for everyone.”
Willowfest president Anthony Telfer is thrilled that the Melbourne Renegades are throwing their support behind Willowfest and cricket in the Mildura region.
“The live site is one of a number of exciting additions to Willowfest that promise to make this year’s championship the biggest in its 39 year history.”
The announcement follows other initiatives such as the first cricket tournament to count runs backwards towards zero in partnership with the TAC’s ‘Towards Zero’ campaign, as well as the possible addition of teams traveling from India to play in the championships.
More information for clubs or players wanting to participate in MILO T20 Blast can visit www.playcricket.com.au
More information on participating in the Towards Zero Willowfest Cricket Championships can be found at www.willowfest.com.au, including a newly released pack with all the information required for teams wishing to enter.
For more information and/or photo opportunities on this story contact:
Tom Huf thuf@cricketvictoria.com.au
Further information about Willowfest is available at www.willowfest.com.au/willowfest-runs-towards-zero/ or by contacting- Anthony Telfer 0419 359 618
Photo taken today in Melbourne at the announcement by the Melbourne Renegades & Cricket Victoria
