Returning Spirit teams up with Powercor to help fire-ravaged cricket club

IN the aftermath of the postponed round 13 WNBL match against Southside Flyers, Ballarat will get a second slice of Bendigo Spirit action for the 2025-26 season this month.

And it will be for a great cause, as the Spirit teams up with game-day sponsor Powercor to throw their support behind the fire-ravaged Carranballac Cricket Club.

The Spirit and WNBL on Wednesday confirmed that the game would now go ahead at Selkirk Stadium on Wednesday 21 January. Tip-off is at 6pm.

All tickets purchased for the original fixture on Friday 9 January will be refunded in full.

For the rescheduled match, all tickets will be just $10 for adults, concessions and kids (aged five-plus), with general admission seating throughout the venue.

In conjunction with game-day sponsor Powercor, 50 per cent of ticket revenue will be donated to the Carranballac Cricket Club, which was completely destroyed during the recent bushfires in the Streatham area, west of Ballarat.

Powercor has already committed a $5000 grant to help rebuild the club kiosk.

To add to the fundraising efforts, at each quarter-time break a Powercor linesperson will step up to the foul line and shoot as many free throws as possible.

For every successful shot, Powercor will donate an additional $100 to the club.

Bendigo Spirit general manager Dan Jackson said he was pleased all parties had found a way to reschedule the game in a way in a way that could also help the bushfire-affected local community.

“In regional areas, sporting organsiations are more than just a club – they are where we find a sense of community and support, particularly during tough times,” he said.

“This game is about more than basketball – it’s about supporting our community.

“We’re proud to partner with Powercor to help Carranballac Cricket Club rebuild after such devastating losses.

“We encourage fans to come along, enjoy a great night of WNBL action, and contribute to a cause that matters.”

Scott Russell, general manager at Powercor, echoed Jackson’s sentiment.

“Community is at the heart of everything we do at Powercor – our own teams live and work in some of the areas hit hard by recent bushfires,” he said.

“We’re thrilled to team up with Bendigo Spirit and their community to support Carranballac Cricket Club get back on their feet.

“Each ticket sold and each free throw our lineys sink during those quarter-time breaks, will go a long way in bringing back an essential local sporting hub for the Ballarat community.”

The game will be the Spirit’s second in Ballarat this season.

Powered by standout performances by captain Kelsey Griffin and Opals star Isobel Borlase, they thrashed the Geelong Venom 93-58 in November.

Currently sitting atop the ladder with a 13-3 win-loss record, despite dropping their most recent game against Sydney Flames in Sydney 78-89.

Tickets for the rescheduled game will be available via Ticketek.