Australia’s two largest basketball associations have officially struck up a perpetual trophy that is sure to build on a rivalry that is arguably like no other within community sport throughout Australia.

To be known as THE ASHES, the Kilsyth Cobras and Knox Ford Raiders will embrace the award off the court, but they will undoubtedly battle fiercely for the honour of hoisting the trophy on the court.

The idea of striking a trophy known as The Ashes followed the recent fire at Club Kilsyth in North Bayswater.

As the major sponsor of the Cobras, Club Kilsyth has become a big supporter of basketball in the area and it is hoped this annual award will help deliver something good from the ashes of what was a large scale fire.

Rebuilding of Club Kilsyth commenced last week and it is hoped the facility will reopen in December this year.

Kilsyth general manager Dick Thomas believes the games between the Kilsyth and Knox SEABL men’s and women’s teams on April 8 will take on even greater significance with The Ashes up for grabs.

“Our aim is to have a battle for The Ashes each year when Knox visit us at Kilsyth, while we are also jointly working on assisting Cystic Fibrosis Victoria each year when Kilsyth play at Knox Converse Stadium,” said Thomas.

“The feeling between Kilsyth and Knox is one of respect, but as soon as the players hit the court we all know where the line in the sand is. The rivalry is unique in that it is friendly, but very fierce.”

Knox Basketball CEO Laurie Joyce embraced the concept and said the rivalry between the clubs is both healthy and beneficial for the continued growth of basketball.

“I suppose calling it The Ashes is a bit of tongue-in-cheek after what was a serious fire at Club Kilsyth, but it will hopefully take our clashes with Kilsyth to another level and help further promote local basketball,” said Joyce.

“We are also very close to announcing a perpetual trophy for when the two clubs play against each other at Knox, which will hopefully aid a worthy cause in Cystic Fibrosis. Those games are scheduled for our return bout on July 15.”
Long regarded as arch enemies, Knox Basketball was recently announced as the largest association in Victoria, and arguably Australia, taking the mantle from Kilsyth who now settle into second position.

Although the fight for such prestigious awards helps to raise the stronghold basketball has in the region, the clubs are mindful that the fans are always looking for something extra.

“Our recent games against England were an outstanding success,” said Joyce, adding, “Imagine if we could put the sold-out sign up at future games between Knox and Kilsyth. That’s our aim.”

The two trophies will be awarded based on the aggregate scores of both the SEABL men’s and women’s games contested.

When played at Kilsyth, The Ashes will be awarded to the club that jointly has the biggest score on the night, while the yet to be named trophy will follow a similar format when the teams play at Knox..

The battle for The Ashes will take place at Kilsyth on Saturday April 8 with the women’s game commencing at 6.15pm, followed by the men’s clash at 8.15pm.