Hundreds gather to welcome Warriors

A bumper crowd greeted the Warragul Warriors on Saturday as they kicked off their new Country League Basketball season with their first official matches in the new Warragul basketball stadium.
Hundreds gathered to cheer on their beloved Warriors in both the women's and men's season openers against the Pakenham Warriors and to enjoy the club's new and improved home.
The day on the court began well for Warragul results-wise after the club's women's side scored a statement 82-44 win much to the delight of those in attendance.
The men's side was unable to repeat the feat, however, going down 68-109.
Warriors men's coach Michael Bridgman said the turnout of fan support was "amazing."
"I've been around the league for a long time and outside of grand finals I can't remember seeing that many people."
"It was great seeing the kids especially, we knew there was going to be plenty of support when there were packs of kids going nuts for every dunk in the warm-up."
Bridgman said it was pleasing to finally be able to play in the new stadium, stating the club had outgrown its old facilities some time ago.
While the men's result was disappointing, Bridgman expects his side to turn it around this weekend.
"I think our women's team are going to keep up their amazing form and I expect the men's to turn things around and get our percentage up," he said.
"It's really good to see the women's program up and about, we're passionate about an equal investment into both programs at the club."
The Warragul Warriors men will play their round two home match against Bairnsdale this Saturday at 5pm. The women's team will enjoy their first bye of the season.