Sydney Sixers sold on Coffs Harbour for BBL games

Packed houses and passion – read why a high-flying national sports franchise believes it can turn Coffs Harbour into a fortress.

Jam-packed crowds at the C.ex International Stadium have been a constant at BBL games.

Sydney Sixers star Ben Dwarshuis believes Coffs Harbour can become a cauldron for the high flying Big Bash cricket franchise.

He returned to the Mid North Coast city this week and he showed off the competition silverware.

The men in magenta have created a home-away-from-home at the C.ex International Stadium, having brought a number of BBL fixtures to Coffs, where there has been fanatical support from locals.

“The benefit of playing here multiple times is that we have a little edge over the opposition,” Dwarshuis said.

“Making it a second home for us means, when we do come up here, we can really make it a cauldron and have the full support of the home crowd to give us that edge.”

Advertising banners are already draped on the stadium fencing ahead of the Sixers next on-the-road encounter at Coffs – against the Adelaide Strikers on January 17.

Sydney Sixers star Ben Dwarshuis with the Big Bash League trophy during a visit to Coffs Harbour on Tuesday.

“It’s always nice, it’s a great ground and we’ve had some good battles up here with the Strikers, who we play again this year,” the swashbuckling all-rounder said.

Dwarshuis said the BBL heavyweights had been taken aback – pleasantly – by the fevered support for elite T20 cricket in Coffs Harbour.

The Sydney Sixers form a Barefoot Circle at Coffs International Stadium.

“Even last year, when we were meant to play the Renegades and we got washed out … I still remember the amount of people that hung on right to the end, sitting there in the rain, sitting up on the hill and just really enjoying themselves and having a great time,” he said.

“It’s that level of support that makes the boys excited to get up here again and put on a show.”

Ben Dwarshuis celebrates dismissing Cameron Bancroft during the men's Big Bash League match between the Sydney Sixers and the Perth Scorchers at Coffs Harbour on January 9. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

While the Mid North Coast has produced a swag of champion cricketers, including the late and great Test legend Phillip Hughes, Dwarshuis believes bringing top grade fixtures to Coffs can only inspire the next generation.

“That‘s definitely the aim of the players and us, the Sixers and Cricket NSW, as an organisation. To give the Mid North Coast exposure to elite cricket,” he said.

“Hopefully we’re doing our bit to inspire and instil a little belief into kids or junior cricketers that if they work hard and continue along their paths that they can see themselves out here and out on the SCG one day.”