Southern Smash: South West stars Michael Tassone, Bevan Bennell and more to join big names at T20 tournament

Marist star Brayden Clarke and Eaton paceman Jacob Wintle are among some of the Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association talents set to mix it with the State’s best in this year’s Southern Smash. The annual draft for the Albany-based T20 franchise tournament was held in the Great Southern city on Monday night, with players from across WA selected to join an initial group of five players at each of the six teams. Colts batter Bevan Bennell, Hay Park’s Michel Tassone and Eaton all-rounder Julian Crudeli were among the players already picked up by teams, alongside former Colts bowler Tyler King and WACA Premier Cricket stars Chris Sabburg and Teague Wyllie, former Perth Scorchers player Jaron Morgan and WACA contracted Great Southern bowler Bryce Jackson. YOBS’ Ben Payne was the first of the South West players to be taken in the draft, picked up by the Camtrans Bulldogs with pick five, followed by Marist all-rounder Brayden Clarke with the next pick. Marist product and Bentley batter Manuel Hunwick and Busselton teenage talent Troyden Thorp were both also taken in the top 10, before Wintle joined Payne at the Bulldogs with pick 11. Ireland international and South Perth spinner Jacob Mulder was the first player taken in Monday night’s draft. Former Colts Cricket Club captain Tim Hutchinson will also captain a side, the Arc Infrastructure Aces. The third edition of the popular tournament will take place on December 28 and 29 at Albany’s Centennial Park.