Comets prepared for South Australia contest

The ACT Comets are set to host South Australia in their upcoming National Toyota Second XI match from Monday at our very own EPC Solar Park

Jonathon Dean, Comets Head Coach, has named his 12-man squad:

• Zac Worden
• Nic Broes
• Zac Keogh
• Tyler Van Luin (VC)
• Mike McNamara
• Jake Smith
• Hanno Jacobs
• Tyler Hays
• Scott Murn (C)
• Zac Beveridge
• Kai Brunker
• Sam Skelly

“We are upbeat and positive. The boys have been playing good cricket and they are certainly excited. We have been preparing well. Lots of runs have been scored and lots of wickets have been taken in Premier Cricket so I think we have set up nicely for our match against SACA next week,” Dean said.

“For us it’s very much still a focus about ourselves and how we execute. We try not to get caught up too much in the opposition. There certainly has been conversations around strategy and tactics that we will look to potentially implement and execute in match.

“If we execute our skills well enough, then we should be able to compete with the best.” Dean explained.

Coming off the back of an abandoned round one match up against Tasmania, the boys are eager to make a mark in the competition as they prepare to face what will be a strong South Australian side.

"We went from getting slaughtered over in Perth to being really competitive by the end of the season. The guys have been working hard all winter, all pre-season, and there has been some really strong performances in club cricket to start the year. I think the group is ready to go for next week to really give South Australia a good shake.” Comets captain, Scott Murn stated.

Newly appointed to his captaining duties, Murn is hopeful to bring his squad success over this summer of cricket.

“Obviously last year I didn’t captain the side. It’s always a different experience being a player opposed to being a leader in the team. Knowing that I can throw the ball to anyone at any time, and they will be up for the challenge. And then on the side with the bat, Jono and myself just make sure we are really clear with our messaging on how we want to play, and I think if that all comes together, we are a good chance of winning a game, or two, or more this season.”

South Australia, in their two games have had a win against Queensland and then suffered a loss to Western Australia.  

SA 12-player squad

• Kyle Brazell
• Thomas Brown
• Hamish Case
• Kane Halfpenny
• Mackenzie Harvey
• Seamus Keogh
• Harry Manenti
• Harry Matthias (WK)
• Noah McFadyen
• Deakin Murphy
• James Reuther
• Aubrey Stockdale

“They’re all quality players. It’s certainly a challenge whether we are batting or bowling, it is a test out there. I think the guys are ready for that and they’re excited and it should be a great week.” Scott Murn said.

With coach Jono Dean keeping a close eye on his squad, he is confident that his boys can all step up to the crease and produce some exciting cricket. But he is particularly excited to watch his star batsman Zac Keogh, and his young spinners to get the job done.

“Zac Keogh, he’s been scoring a bucket load of runs in premier cricket last year and started again this year. I’m expecting him to translate some of that form into Second XI cricket.”

“Some of our young spinners are very talented, Kai Brunker especially, and Jake Smith. They are certainly some really really good cricketers that I think will both play a role out here on especially days three and four if it starts to spin.” he said.

It is set to be a grand four-days of quality cricket in the Nation’s Capital and the boys would love to see some support from the Canberra locals.

“With the amount of comments and likes on social media posts and the number of people who drop by after work to come and watch us play, you know it really feels like we are a part of something special and hopefully a stepping stone for Cricket in the ACT onto bigger and better things.” Murn said.

Be sure to come support the ACT Comets in their clash against South Australia from 18-21 November at EPC Solar Park (Phillip Oval).