Marquee players locked in for Sub-District T20 series

The Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association’s Twenty20 series blasts off tonight — and most clubs have lined up guest players.

Dandenong star “Pistol Pete’’ Cassidy will line up for Brighton.

The Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association’s Twenty20 competition returns tonight, back by popular demand.

With the season cut short by the coronavirus pandemic, all clubs asked for the twilight T20 to be held in 2020-21.

Each team will play two matches, and the top eight sides will progress in a knockout format.

Kookaburra has stepped in to sponsor the series.

Teams can bring in a “marquee’’ player and must also select three players under the age of 21.

Round two will be held next Tuesday, January 19, Round 3 on February 2, the semi-finals on February 9 and the grand final on Tuesday, February 23.

The winner will receive $500 and the runner-up $250.

Carlton quickie Cam Stevenson has linked with Brunswick.

Most clubs have lined up guest players.

English County batsman Ian Cockbain, out playing for Buckley Ridges in the Dandenong District association this season, has joined Moorabbin, Dandenong medium pacer Peter Cassidy will line up for Brighton, Melbourne’s Jack Harper will return to Caulfield, Carlton’s Matthew Wilson is locked in at Oakleigh, and Richmond’s Zac Sleeman will turn out for Ormond, his junior club.

Victorian Country star Lee Stockdale, the former Fitzroy-Doncaster all-rounder, will play for Noble Park and Dandenong dasher Zach Grundmann-Perera for Elsternwick.

Footscray’s Hamish Winter-Irving has joined Werribee, Carlton speedster Cam Stevenson has linked with Brunswick, and Stevenson’s Blues teammate Harry Smyth will represent Box Hill.

Melbourne’s Henry Brown, 18, will play for Kew, making for a family affair.

He will join his brothers Matthew, 30, Angus, 29, and Oscar, 16, in the Kew team to play Preston.

All matches start at 5.30pm.

ROUND 1

Brighton v Oakleigh at Brighton Beach Oval

Caulfield v Ormond at Caulfield Park (Oval 1)

Elsternwick v Moorabbin at Elsternwick Park (Oval #1)

Malvern v Balwyn at TH King Oval

Bayswater v Endeavour Hills at Bayswater Park

Box Hill v Noble Park at Box Hill City Oval

Croydon v Mt Waverley at Croydon Park

Altona v Williamstown at JK Grant Reserve (FJ Kirk Oval)

Hoppers Crossing v Werribee at Hogans Road Reserve (Turf Oval #1)

Melton v Taylors Lakes at MacPherson Park (Oval #1)

St Bernard’s OC v Coburg at St Bernards College (Murphy Oval)

Brunswick v Yarraville at AG Gillon Oval

Kew v Preston at Victoria Park

Plenty Valley v Ivanhoeat Yarrambat War Memorial Park