“It will be good this year, with the fact everyone’s doing it a bit tough so it’s a chance for the community to get together and put their feet up,” he said.

“There’s a lot of farmers feeding cattle and having water problems and there’s certain cricketers that aren’t playing because of the drought.”

Since the event started seven years ago, it has raised in excess of $100,000 for the McGrath Foundation.

If this weren’t proof enough of the community’s generosity, the organisers made the decision in 2017 to support local not-for-profit charity Where there’s A Will.

The day was huge, raising $34,000 for the foundation to go back into mental health training, and following its success they have decided to stick with a charity that gives back solely to the Upper Hunter.

“It was good to give back to a local charity last year instead of a charity we don’t see but see a lot in the public,” McRae said.

“We were one of the first sporting groups to do something big for Where there’s A Will and obviously it has snowballed since then which is great.

“So, we just want to raise as much funds as we can because we know it goes back into our local schools and we see where our money is going locally.”

McRae says they are expecting another successful turn-out on Saturday February 10 at Belltrees Cricket Ground.

Donations to the not-for-profit organisation can be made on the day and there will also be auction items including the sort after Ellerston Golf Package – a round of golf for 4 on the prestigious Ellerston Golf Course. 

“It’s everything on the day that gets donated from Donkey Drop raffles to Nearest to the Pin competitions,” McRae said.

“The auctions are massive - there are some big items there.”

“The Ellerston golf package is one that’s always chased and gets up to the $8000 to $9000 mark.

“I think it’s just the generosity of the community, really.”

Other items include an Upper Hunter Scenic Helicopter Flight and $8000 in raffle prizes. 

“It’s a great family day out, a really fun social day with plenty for the kids too and the cricket itself is always a highlight – there’s a lot of rivalry in it.

The first game starts at 9am with the Warriors v The Bushrangers in a Twenty20 match, which will be finished at about noon, when the main clash will begin.

“It’s the first time that Rouchel and Belltrees are at the top of the ladder this year – so there’s that added bit of rivalry,” McRae said.

Organisers ask that you please bring a chair or rug and food is strictly no BYO with a barbeque and drinks available on the day.