Southern Smash 2024: Arc Infrastructure Aces captain Tim Hutchinson bullish on title chances despite late outs

Arc Infrastructure Aces skipper Tim Hutchinson believes his side can rebound from last year’s Southern Smash wooden spoon and clinch the title, despite contending with three important last-minute changes. Buoyed by No.1 pick Clint Hinchliffe, the Aces have formed a formidable side for the 2024 competition but have been forced to replace star Willetton batter Brock Larance and Fremantle opening bowler Michael Dawson plus Lucas Martin and Campbell Robertson who have all withdrawn. Melville captain and former Glamorgan wicketkeeper-bat Tom Cullen and young Fremantle spinner Darin Jayaprakash have joined the squad, which includes 2022 player of the tournament Jaron Morgan, while they have also added local Ryan Davies and Mt Lawley’s Coby Perry. Hutchinson believes his side boast enough talent to give the tournament a shake-up with a firm eye on a grand final berth. “We’ve got a good side and it’s great to have the number one pick and get Clint (Hinchliffe),” Hutchinson said. “Hopefully he can do a bit of damage with bat and ball, but really team up with Jaron (Morgan) and put on a good show with the bat. “(Hinchliffe) is fresh out of the (Big Bash League) and that sort of experience is priceless to the side, but a great opportunity for all the local Great Southern players and then local country players to be exposed someone like that. Hutchinson has played in every Smash tournament since its inception six years ago and believes it’s a vitally important part of the regional cricket calendar. “It’s important, especially for the Great Southern players, and for the young kids that come along to watch get exposed to the coaching clinics, it’s just something that doesn’t happen in any other country or region,” he said. “It provides a great opportunity to connect with mates from around the State at the one time and the competitiveness and the way the Smash is played is in good spirits. “It’s also a great opportunity for those going away with the Country XI tour to get some really good quality match practice before the tour stars. “It’s just fantastic that the organising committee continue to put their hand up and put all the hard work and make it happen.” This year’s main tournament has been reduced from six teams to four but there is an exciting addition of a women’s competition and the annual under-21 games. In the men’s division teams will play two qualifying games on Sunday and one on Monday before the top two sides contest the grand final at 3.30pm.