THE Big Bash is Back as the Sydney Sixers return to Coffs Harbour for two blockbuster clashes at C.ex International Stadium.

The first match takes place on New Year’s Day, 1 January 2022, against the Melbourne Renegades and the second match is on Sunday 9 January against last year’s champions, the Perth Scorchers.

Steve Meakins, the Cricket Club Officer for Northern NSW, described the last Big Bash match in Coffs Harbour as epic, one of the best he has ever seen.

“The last match here was epic, the Adelaide Strikers set the Sixers a big total, the pendulum swung throughout, and the match went down to the final over, everyone was on the edge of their seats.

“It was absolutely sensational, and to see the Sydney Sixers finish the match with a six over long on was the icing on the cake, the crowd erupted.

“The atmosphere was awesome, the crowd were doing Mexican waves, singing, cheering, the wacky men were in top form, you just couldn’t have asked for a better experience, I can’t wait for the next one, what a great way to start the new year,” enthused Steve.

On Sunday 9 January the Sixers will play last year’s competition winners the Perth Scorchers and Steve is expecting another sell out.

“The last Big Bash in Coffs Harbour between the Sixers and Strikers sold out well in advance, my phone was ringing hot with people desperate for tickets, I just had to say sorry, sold out is sold out.

“I expect it will be another sell out especially if there are any restrictions in numbers, I’d recommend locking in your tickets early.

“Cricket is really popular in the region, people will travel big distances to watch matches of this magnitude, it’s great for the town, the more the better,” said Steve.

The high-profile matches are another coup for the region which is becoming a hub for premier sporting events, as Dan Heather, the Section Leader for Stadium and Major Events at Coffs Harbour City Council explained.

“C.ex Coffs International Stadium is recognised as one of NSW’s premier regional sporting stadiums, and we are so pleased to partner with the Sydney Sixers again to bring Big Bash to Regional NSW, not once but twice in 2022.

“With a quality playing surface, a premium wicket, amazing broadcast, media, team and spectator facilities, fans will be treated to high energy cricket right here on the Coffs Coast,” said Dan.

Cricket NSW CEO, Lee Germon said, “The Sixers absolutely loved playing in Coffs Harbour the last time they had the opportunity and we are very excited to be coming back this summer for BBL|11.

“The Coffs Coast is a wonderful part of Northern NSW and the opportunity for us to bring two games up there and inspire more people to play and love cricket is too good to pass up,” said Lee.

Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh, hailed the announcement as a smashing success for the region.

“After the smashing success of the first game, it’s great to be able to welcome two Big Bash games back to Coffs Harbour.

“The C.ex Coffs International Stadium is perfectly suited to Big Bash cricket, and the enthusiastic support of the community last time is set to be repeated come January,” said Gurmesh.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in coming months.

 

By David WIGLEY