As reported earlier, the Cobras, who provide a game of football for the region's disadvantaged and those suffering from mental illness, looked like folding after losing their two major sponsors pre-season.

President and coach Gary Lambert said the club was in "dire straits'' and had no money to pay electricity bills, ground fees and buses to take the team to away games.

"It would be a devastating blow to the players and the community if we have to fold. We've got people suffering from mental health problems, drug and alcohol issues, and ones who are homeless.''

Lambert warned that hiring buses, which was the club's biggest cost, may force the club's closure.

Faced with losing a valuable community service, Grenda's Bus Service has come to the club's rescue and will provide buses for the club's away games this season.

Manager Michael Thorn said Grenda's saw the Cobras' needs as "unique and special''.

"We will provide buses for the club's away games.

"We saw that there were certain elements to [the club] that seemed pretty special and unique. We also saw it as a worthwhile community project to get involved with. It's a bit of a helping hand for the club to get through the season.''

Cobras secretary Don Cameron said words alone couldn't express the club's thanks to Grenda's. "We literally had no money for bus hire and we were looking at forfeiting games with grim prospects of the club surviving.''