West Tamworth League Club, a long-time TBA supporter and sponsor, is now sponsoring the Thunderbolts in their senior State League competitions, TBA president Craig Long.

“West has thrown a few dollars at us, quite a few,” Long said.

The $5000 plus sponsorship will help pay travel and accommodation costs for the Thunderbolts, who are the only team “west of the Range” playing in the State League, vice president Scott Ward said.

“We are the only side this side of the Range,” Ward said.

“We play Ballina, Lismore, Grafton, Port Macquarie and Coffs.

“We do all the travelling. So this is a fairly significant step for us with Wests coming on board.”

West Leagues president John McClelland said his club was only too happy to be a part of a clean and healthy sport.

“We sponsor a lot of sports – there’s not too many we don’t,” McClelland said.

“Basketball is a major sport and we have been a sponsor here for a long while.”

Wests have sponsored the senior competitions in Tamworth since 1999 and have a strong relationship with the TBA, which is just down the road from Wests.

Long said that sponsorship is a part of the growth and development of the game.

He also said the employment of Karen Irwin as administrator is another major step forward.

“Our juniors are our future,” Long said.

State League basketball returns to the Anne Street Thunderdome on Saturday evening with the Thunderbolts drawn to play Ballina Breakers in both men (7pm tipoff) and women (5pm tipoff).