Chargers target big crowd for Big V opener

The Chargers will start their Big V division two seasons on Saturday evening with a blockbuster double-header at Wurdi Baierr Stadium.

The senior women’s side begins the night with a 5pm clash against RMIT Redbacks, followed immediately by the men’s season start against Mildura at 7pm.

Big V is a Basketball Victoria league structure, which includes 145 semi-professional teams from 47 basketball associations in 12 competitions across the state.

This year marks Surf Coast Basketball Association’s first foray into the league.

The association’s vice-president Adam Forde said the club was excited to make the jump from the Country Basketball League competition.

“It’s a really big step up from CBL, you’re getting into semi-professional basketball. It’s a big learning curve for our association this year,” he said.

“Our expectations are we want to competitive, while building on our culture and program.

“We have a growing junior program, so it’s important to have that step up to a senior program.

“It’s a great opportunity for kids in our region to strive to, and it’s a really good stepping stone for those that want to get up to even higher levels.

“We expect our numbers to grow in VJBL for next season, just on the back of what we’ve done this year.”

Mr Forde said interest was also growing for the club’s senior ranks, and expected the step up in competition to benefit local players.

The Chargers readied themselves for the upcoming season with practice matches last week against Corio Bay Stingrays.

The women’s side acquitted themselves well against a division opponent, while the Surf Coast men’s team endured a tough contest against a Stingrays outfit from the Big V division one competition.

Mr Forde said the Chargers hoped a strong contingent of club members, junior players and families and spectators would help boost the team in this week’s season openers.