The visiting Ararat team is made up of brothers, uncles and cousins — all with the last name Cronin.

It all started with siblings Steven, 48, and Tim, 46, more than two decades ago.

The Cronin brothers have made the pilgrimage to the annual tournament for a combined total of 50 years. Basketball clearly runs in their blood and has been dutifully transferred to the duo’s offspring.

Now, with three sons each, Steven and Tim have the manpower to field a competitive team in this weekend’s B grade hit-out.

“Tim has been going to the seaside carnival for over 20 years and myself nearly 30,” Steven told The Standard.

“Tim and I just wanted the opportunity to compete with our boys before it was too late.

“A lot of people don’t get this chance. We are very lucky.” Steven and his sons — Rhys, 20, Jeremy, 17, and Harrison, 13, will be flanked by Tim and his teenage boys — Tyler, 16, Mitchell, 16, and Sam, 14.

It will be the first time the eight Cronins have formed an alliance at the seaside event.

While Steven said the versatile Ararat side was competing for “fun and enjoyment”, the visitors are shaping up as genuine title contenders in the B grade men’s division.

“We all play in the local competition and the boys play in the representative squads,” he said.

“We have a mix of youth and experience. Everyone in the team will have some coaching input.”

More than 60 teams from across the state have registered for the 40th annual seaside tournament.

The three-day program features two women’s divisions and four men’s.

Matches will be played at Warrnambool Stadium and Brauer College.

Action starts tonight at 6pm and picks up again from 8am tomorrow.

Finals are on Sunday.