Zac(k) Attack at EPC Solar Park

The ACT Comets have ended their game against South Australia in a draw in their second match in the National Toyota Second XI competition at EPC Solar Park.

A strong first innings by the Comets saw them in a strong position to win as they declared at lunch on Day 2 at 4/450.

A score like this wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the incredible innings produced by batsmen Zak Keogh and Zac Worden. Coming to the crease after the early wicket of Nic Broes, Keogh combined with opening batsman Worden for a second wicket partnership of 243.

Keogh produced an astonishing innings of 214 not out; whilst Worden formed a stunning 123 runs to give the Comets the confidence they needed to start this match.

“Yeah, stoked. I’m stoked that the teams in a really good position, which we spoke about this year we want not to just compete but win games. And the fact that I can contribute a fair bit, I’m really happy about it.” Keogh said. 

“I think there is a lot of training, a lot of hard work, a lot of gym and running and stuff that goes unseen. I think it just, it satisfies that. It makes that feel a bit more worthwhile.”

“I like the Zac(k) attack, I think we can keep that going.” he added.

Keogh cracked the double century alongside his skipper, Scott Murn, who warned ACT cricket fans earlier in the week that he was a player to watch throughout this match. 

“A player to watch is probably someone like Zak Keogh, I am really hoping he has a real break out season in Second XI. He absolutely dominated Canberra cricket last year. I think a breakout season is just around the corner for him.” Murn stated earlier in the week. 

“It was cool to have Scott out there. He was really calming. That was nice to have out there. Scott’s really encouraging with all the young players, so I think I was stoked to have him out there for that.” Keogh commented on having Captain Scott Murn alongside him. 

Although achieving this milestone in such an elite match in Canberra cricket, Keogh has his eyes more set on winning matches and getting the ACT squad recognised.

“I came to Canberra when I was a bit younger, so it was a move for cricket in that sense, but I didn’t know Second XI cricket was going to be a thing at the time. It’s just a great passion that’s turned into a great progression. For ACT players, it allows us to progress while staying in Canberra without having to move yet, which is nice because I think in the past it’s been as soon as you do alright in grade you have to trip off to Sydney or elsewhere. So yeah, it’s great that we’ve got the pathway. I think winning the games probably puts more eyes on us than anything.” Keogh stated. 

It was yet another Zac in Zac Beveridge taking 4/63 restricting the Redbacks to 271, giving the ACT boys a first innings lead of 179.

In the second innings, ACT set out for quick runs to give them every opportunity to have enough time to press for a win against the highly fancied South Australian side. ACT closed their second innings at 9/220 and set South Australia a huge total of 400 runs to win the game.

During the final day of play, the ACT Comets required two wickets to win the match, but as the overs ticked away, the match ended in a draw. This was a huge match for the ACT Comets as they really gave SA a run for their money, and the Comets boys are already looking ahead.

“I’ve got more second XI games to come. I want to do as well as I can in all of those.” Keogh stated as he looks ahead to the rest of the summer of cricket.