All proceeds from the match will be donated to the Upper Hunter-based Where There’s A Will Foundation.

This year’s match will be held on Saturday, February 18, at Belltrees Cricket Ground from noon.

There will be food and refreshments available and a jumping castle, lucky donkey drop, closest to the pin golf driving and raffle and auction items up for grabs on the day.

Organisers are expecting this to be their biggest day yet following the switch to raising money for a local charity.

“There’s not too many people across the Upper Hunter who aren’t aware of the great work being done by the Where There’s A Will Foundation to reduce suicide and to improve the mental health of everyone in our community,” Belltrees captain Ben McRae said.

“We’ve always managed to raise some good money at our annual cricket day but I get the feeling that people will be digging a little deeper this year in support of an organisation that is working so hard with our schools, sporting clubs and community organisations to ensure that our kids are resilient and that as adults we know how to help when someone we know is struggling with mental illness.”

The Where There’s A Will Foundation is looking to kick some serious goals in 2017 and founder Pauline Carrigan says funds raised at the cricket day will be put to good use.

“We’re on a mission to deliver mental health first aid training to as many people across our community as possible, we’ve got teachers lining up to take part in training for Positive Education and we’ll be ensuring that senior secondary school students are again given an opportunity to participate in the batyr program,” Carrigan said.

“We’re very grateful to be chosen as the nominated charity for the annual grudge match between Belltrees and Rouchel because we know how successful they’ve been in their fundraising in the past and we’d love to see as many people as possible at the game.

“If you’ve not yet been to a cricket game out at Belltrees it’s certainly worth the trip – it’s an iconic Australian venue and a great day for the family.”

Buses will be running to Belltrees from Scone on the day, departing at 11.30am and 1pm from Liverpool Street, opposite Golden Fleece Hotel.

It will return after the cricket, auctions and raffles are completed.

Contact Ben McRae on 0429 459 211 or Steve Clydsdale on 0411 897 042.  

Cost will be $5 for adults, while children are free.