The two-year sponsorship deal with CommBank will see Bellingen Cricket Club receive $2000 worth of funding each year for two years, along with new cricket gear such as training balls, wooden stumps, shade marquees and ground markers to use on game days.

As a small country club with only two registered teams, Bellingen Cricket Club struggles to sustain adequate funding. The CommBank Cricket Club sponsorship will assist the club with urgent ground repairs, so its dedicated members can continue to play and strive towards their ultimate goal of winning a premiership.

Australian Cricket Captain and CommBank ambassador, Steve Smith said the sponsorship will provide Bellingen Cricket Club with the necessary support to nurture its young and aspiring players’ love of the sport.

“My cricket club, Illawong-Menai, played such an important role in my life and the local community, so I know this two-year sponsorship deal from CommBank will make a world of difference for the players at Bellingen Cricket Club and the local community,” he said.

“Local clubs rely so much on funding and volunteers, so financial support, along with new equipment, will enable Bellingen Cricket Club to continue their amazing work for the community and the sport.”

Bellingen Commonwealth Bank Branch Manager, Karissa Taylor said she was proud to present the Bellingen Cricket Club with a 2015 CommBank Cricket Club Sponsorship.

“CommBank has been a proud supporter of cricket for more than 28 years and we’re delighted to extend our support of grassroots cricket with a multi-year sponsorship for local cricket clubs for the first time,” she said.

“We’re thrilled that Bellingen Cricket Club has been awarded with a CommBank Cricket Club Sponsorship, and hope this support will contribute to many successful seasons for the club.”