March 11 and 12 saw a massive 76 games played over the two days with teams from all over Northern NSW.

Not to be outdone the weekend of the 18th/19th hosted 43 games topped off by the exciting double header of the State League.

The atmosphere was buzzing both weekends with players, parents, coaches, managers and referees flowing around the stadium.

The colours of the different uniforms, the smells of Dencorub and deodorant and the constant hum of voices provided an energy to the Sports Dome that infected all comers – players and spectators alike.

It was a very impressive event and both weekends were a masterpiece of organisation and many thanks should go out to the talented young referees who travelled from around the state to officiate, and also to the clever couple who conducted them.

Thanks also to the myriad of volunteers who supervised courts, manned benches and filled ice bags - all co-ordinated by the supremely knowledgeable Kellie-Ann. It was a great team effort.

Compliments flowed from the away teams, for some their first trip to Tamworth, about the quality of our…well, everything.

Our facilities, our teams, our volunteers, our town, even our council got a favourable mention which reminds us how lucky we are to have our marvelous venue.

Tamworth Sports Dome even had the once over this week from the CEO of NSW Basketball Maria Nordstrum who was suitably impressed by our state-of-the-art facilities.

For those of you who were lucky enough to feel the thunder at the double header, how brilliant was it?

The crowd was huge, enthusiastic and the sea of blue showing support for our Thunderbolts was magic.

Regional Australia Bank gave away hats, yo-yos and frisbees.

Woodleys gave away drink bottles, KFC had their best seat, Forum 6 vouchers went into the crowd with Thunderbolts socks shot out of the cannon and it all made for a fantastic night.

The State League Thunderbolt ladies gave the Maitland Mustangs a good run for their money and they kept the game close right up to the last quarter.

Their performance was remarkable when you consider that they have only had their current coach, Brad Melton, for two weeks prior to this game.

There were some really positive signs for the future.

Some of their players are also returning to basketball after extended absences and to see the Bolts do so well with such a relatively new team makes us excited for the season ahead.

Thunder struck again when the men took the court after the ladies and showed the Port Macquarie Dolphins that they are out of their depth on this side of the mountain.

The Thunderbolts kept the pressure on till the last running out winners 87 to 77 and the crowd were happy to show their appreciation for a clinical effort.

Hitting the target regularly for the the Bolts were Gupton (19), Chillingworth (18) McGann (11) and Monckton (11).

Businesses shouldn’t miss the chance to be a part of the excitement as both teams are looking for sponsorship and are happy to showcase your brand to an ever increasing audience.

Head out to the Dome Saturday night for the 6 o’clock game between the mighty men of the Thunderbolts as they take on the St George Saints.

Wear blue and bring the Bolts home to another victory!