THE Tamworth Sports Dome will come to life on Saturday afternoon with the Thunderbolts' men's and women's teams set to take the court.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The women's team will begin the action with a round 11 clash against the Coffs Harbour Suns, before the men do battle with the Springwood Scorchers.
Both the Suns and the Thunderbolts head into Saturday's clash undefeated.
It is a different story in the men's game. The Thunderbolts will be looking to add to their seven wins while the last-placed Scorchers will be out for their second win of the season.
Read Also:
Men's coach John Ireland said the club's first double-header of the season would create "an amazing buzz around the stadium".
"There is always a great feeling around the place when the two teams get to play together," Ireland said.
"It's the first time we have had a chance to do it this season and I know all of our guys are looking forward to it."
Currently sitting second on the Waratah League ladder, Ireland said he was pleased with his side's start to the season.
"We have started this season really well, there's a good feeling around the group and hopefully we can continue that on Saturday," he said.
"I think given we have introduced about seven or eight new players into the lineup, our guys have gelled really well.
"Everyone is really prepared to play their role, play for each other and we have a lot of depth.
"As a coach it's a good problem to have because it allows me to select a side based on our opponents strengths."
Ireland said the squads younger players had shown considerable improvement throughout the season.
"I know it sounds a bit cliche, but every week it is a team effort and all of our guys have played well," he said.
"To be honest, I think young Billy Parsons and Abe Westhorpe-Dwyer have really improved throughout the season.
"They are two young guys, who before the season didn't have much first grade experience but they have really excelled this season.
"For them and us as a group, our big focus will be on being consistent and playing four good quarters of basketball every week."
After the weekend's games, the Thunderbolts will turn their attention to the club's annual sportsman's dinner night at Wests on June 14.
"It should be a great night with David Campese being the keynote speaker," Ireland said.
"Every year it's a great night so it would be great to see everyone there."
Tip off for Saturday's women's game will be at 4pm, followed by the men's game from 6pm.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
