The action, at Polocrosse Park, Fulham, gets underway at 5.30pm tonight with an under 16 exhibition match between eastern and western Victorian teams, followed by the clash for the Bass Strait Cup between Victoria and Tasmania from 7pm with the first international match beginning at 8pm.

The series, which continues with matches on Saturday and Sunday, is tipped to be tight with the South Africans making big strides in polocrosse in recent years.

While the international encounter will see competitors test their skills with the racquet, it will also demonstrate their horsemanship as both teams will be allocated horses.

The tournament on Saturday and Sunday will feature A, A reserve, B, C, D and mixed grades, juniors and sub-juniors.

Around 35 teams will be competing, including seven from Sale.

Clubs expected to be contending for titles are Rosedale, Trafalgar, Moorooduc, Ballarat and Corio.

The tournament will be used by the clubs and players to prepare for the state titles in Portland at the end of the year and the nationals in Ballarat next March.

There will be a fancy dress night tomorrow night at the site with a theme of op shop formal and a first prize of $100 on offer.

Catering, including a bar, will be available at the grounds from tonight.