Cricket fans in the Latrobe Valley will once again get the chance to experience elite cricket as part of a three-match festival when the WBBL debuts in Moe later this year.
The Melbourne Stars will play the Perth Scorchers and the Brisbane Heat, whilst the Melbourne Renegades will also play the Scorchers in a jam-packed festival weekend of the WBBL across 19th-20th November.
It will be the first time that the Stars WBBL Team has played in Moe, after the Stars BBL team first played at Ted Summerton Oval in BBL|08 and BBL|09.
Along with the support of the Victorian Government and the Latrobe City Council, the festival weekend is designed to inspire the next generation of female cricketers as well as feature the region.
Melbourne Stars wicketkeeper Nicole Faltum grew up in Moe and is thrilled to have the opportunity to play in her hometown.
“After two years of the WBBL away from not only Melbourne but Victoria, I can't wait to play in front of friends and family in Moe in November.
"It will be great to get among the regional community that means so much to the myself and the Stars and to have the elite women's domestic cricket competition in my own backyard where I grew up will be pretty special,” Faltum said.
Steve Dimopoulos, Victorian Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events said:
“We’re proud to bring the WBBL to Gippsland for the first time, providing locals with a jam packed weekend festival of cricket. The festival is yet another great reason for Victorian families to visit this beautiful region of Victoria.”
“We’ve invested $3.5 million transforming Ted Summerton Reserve into an international-standard cricket facility, so there’s never been a better time to get behind a team and enjoy the action right in your own backyard.”
Latrobe City Council Mayor Cr Kellie O'Callaghan said:
"We are thrilled to welcome Australia’s leading female cricketers to Moe in November for a fantastic weekend of play. This is a major event for our sporting calendar, which will serve as inspiration for local upcoming players, showcase our facilities, bring visitors to our City and support our economy."
After being on the road for the previous two seasons, Melbourne Stars General Manager Blair Crouch welcomed the chance to get back to the region.
"We can't wait to get to Moe and showcase the WBBL, which is the best domestic women's cricket competition in the world.
"I'd like to thank both the Victorian Government and the Latrobe City Council for their work and ongoing support in being able to deliver such an experience for members of the region.
"We know we can make a positive impact on Moe and the Gippsland region and we hope we can continue our strong form at Ted Summerton Reserve, having won both games there previously in the BBL."
WBBL Moe Festival - Ted Summerton Reserve
Saturday 19 November
10.40am - Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers
Sunday 20 November
10.15am - Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades
2.00pm - Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat
This media release is shared on behalf of the Melbourne Stars.