WA guns firm for Smash

The highly anticipated Southern Smash has received massive interest from a host of WA’s best grade level and country-bred cricketers, and the biggest names could still yet be signed.

Organisers are bullish on their chances of securing former Perth Scorchers duo Simon Mackin and Craig Simmons, as major additions to the list of 13 marquee signings.

Mackin and Simmons are both in discussions with organisers of the inaugural Twenty20 competition to be played in Albany next month.

Mackin was a contracted player with WA and has played in the Big Bash with the Perth Scorchers.

Simmons rocketed on to the Big Bash scene following his performances with the Scorchers in 2014. He then had a stint with the Adelaide Strikers.

It’s understood Simmons’ availability depends on his work commitments around the December 27 and 28 dates.

The competition tried unsuccessfully to secure the services of big hitting ex-Big Bash player Travis Birt.

Coach and former Middlesex player Tom Scollay, 31, heads the host of marquee players who have signed up for the premier regional Twenty20 tournament.

Right-handed batsman Scollay played for Middlesex in 2010 and 2011 and will cost teams 500 points under salary cap rules.

He’ll be joined by Perth Cricket Club teammate Luke Jury, while brothers Aaron and Damian Burrage are high profile grade players.

Former Albany locals, Julian Crudeli, Tim Hutchinson, Chad Hitchcock, Shayne Wornes, Patrick Butler and Michael Ferriera will all play in the marquee event.

Retravision Warriors, Elders Albany, Inswing Inswingers and Camtrans Bulldogs are the four competing teams.

The draft will be held on Sunday at 5pm. About 80 cricketers from around the State have registered.