Boomers prepare for friendly hit out against Chinese

August 13, 2019 | Melbourne Boomers news

The Deakin Melbourne Boomers are gearing up for their biggest pre-season match to date, against the Chinese National Team, Tuesday 10 September at Casey Basketball Stadium.

Armed with the experience of six international level players – Cayla George and Ezi Magbegor (both Australian Opals) and Kalani Purcell, Stella Beck, Toni Farnworth and Penina Davidson (all Tall Ferns) balanced with a group of quality younger players, the Boomers are ready and raring to go.

Boomers General Manager Christy Collier said the match is a terrific opportunity for the club’s players and supporters and they are excited to host the match in partnership with Casey Basketball Association.

“Cayla and Ezi faced the Chinese National Team last year at the FIBA World Cup Semi’s where the Opals came out on top. There’s no doubt in my mind it’ll be a competitive game,” said Collier.

“For our younger players, it’s an opportunity to test their skill and play against some of the best women in the world. For our supporters it’s a rare chance to see the intensity of an international game here at home.”

Casey Basketball Marketing Manager Ashley Szalek is thrilled to be hosting the match.

“Casey Basketball is excited to extend its partnership with the Melbourne Boomers for the upcoming season. The Association looks forward to hosting the team when they play the Chinese National Women’s team in September,” Said Szalek

“It is a big win for women in basketball as it continues to go from strength to strength.”

The Chinese National Team are in Australia for a series of warm up matches leading into the Asia Cup, where they’re likely to face the Boomers players again in their respective national teams.

The match against China is one of four pre-season matches for the Boomers. The club will also face an NBL1 All Star Team on Saturday 7 September, WNBL opponent Bendigo Spirit on Sunday 14 September and the Southside Flyers on Saturday 5 October.

To purchase tickets for our pre-season matches, click here.