ACT Comets eye opportunity against Cricket World Cup opponents

ACT Comets coach Mark Higgs is excited by the prospect of Canberra players picking up professional contracts. Photo: Jeffrey Chan

Opportunity is the buzzword in Canberra cricket this summer with ACT Comets coach Mark Higgs convinced the pathway to the elite level is now as strong as it's been since the Comets were kicked out of the national one-day competition in 2000.

Cricket ACT is pushing for re-entry into the national one-day competition as early as the 2015-16 summer and players will get the chance to push their individual cases when the Comets play World Cup teams Afghanistan and Ireland in four one-day matches over the next three weeks.

The Comets play Afghanistan at Manuka Oval on Friday and Sunday this week, before backing up against Ireland on October 7 and 9. The Comets will also contest the Sydney T20 competition in October, providing a scouting opportunity for Sydney's Big Bash league franchises, the Thunder and Sixers.

Higgs, who played for the Comets's in their inaugural 1997 season in the national one-day competition, said Canberra had worked hard to re-establish itself as a genuine elite pathway. Australian players Brad Haddin and Nathan Lyon began with the Comets, as did established state cricketers such as Ryan Carters and Jason Behrendorff.

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"I think we're able to give people quality opportunities," Higgs said. "Over the last few years we've had some quality cricket matches and it's been good for our program and to put people into state programs.

"We're lucky enough where we play second XI [state] cricket, we've got games against Ireland, we've played against the Big Bash League franchises. If you're from the country or you've missed out on going through the under-age [development] programming, there is another opportunity.

"The player who stands up in these sorts of matches is the guy that goes on and takes that opportunity."

Comets captain Jono Dean leads by that example. Dean smashed an eye-catching 51 off 38 balls in last year's Prime Minister's XI match against the West Indies and was then signed by BBL team the Adelaide Strikers.

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ACT Comets eye opportunity against Cricket World Cup opponents

Shattering blow for Workington Comets as star rider breaks collar bone

Last updated at 12:34, Monday, 22 September 2014

Workington Comets difficult task of progressing through the Premier League play-offs has become even harder after star rider Josh Grajczonek suffered a suspected broken collarbone

Josh Grajczonek is left with a suspected broken collar bone

Workingtons No1 was forced to withdraw from the Premier League Riders Championship at Sheffields Owlerton Stadium last night after colliding with eventual winner Simon Stead in heat 16.

News of his injury will come as a major blow to Workingtons play-off hopes. Comets are due to travel to league leaders Edinburgh Monarchs on Friday and they then host the Scottish club the following day at Derwent Park. But they may have to do without their No1 rider. However, team manager Tony Jackson is hoping that Kyle Howarth, who incurred facial and back injuries last week, will be fit this weekend.

However, west Cumbrians and ex-Comet riders Richard Lawson and Craig Cook enjoyed better luck at the play-offs.

Both went up against one another in the semi-final after Lawson, from Maryport, scored 11 points and Cook, of Cleator Moor, amassed 10 points in the qualifying heats.

Lawson who progressed to the final while Cook retired.

Lawson went up against Ostergaard, Danny King and Simon Stead in the grand final.

And it was Stead who lifted the trophy, with Lawson finishing fourth.

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Shattering blow for Workington Comets as star rider breaks collar bone

Cross Country: Comets pack better than rest

WALNUT - At 176 boys, Saturdays Bureau Valley Invitational saw the largest pool of runners that Newman had competed against this season.

In such a case, sticking together helps one find another. Naturally for the Comets, they are well aware of what sticking together can do on the cross country course.

The Comets won the championship for the second time in the meets history. Putting together 56 points, the Comets had four runners in the top 15, led by Bryson Reyess fourth-place finish in 16 minutes, 32 seconds.

When Reyes turned around after coming to a stop for a breather at the end of the finish ropes, he caught a sight of familiar blue and white. Quincy Coomes finished in eighth with a time of 17:04, followed by Chris Ahlers in 10th (17:07) and Drew Rosengren in 14th (17:13). Ethan Nash was the Comets fifth runner, crossing in 28th place (18:00).

We had such a strong pack behind us, Reyes said. Our two-through-five were right there. I was real pleased to see that whenever I rounded a turn.

Newmans pack time of its top five runners of 1:28 was second to Rockford Christian (0:53), who placed sixth. The Royal Lions sat most of their top runners out for the meet, leaving Newman coach Pat Warkins a little disappointed that his team didnt get the chance to compete with top-ranked team in the Class 1A Oregon Sectional (according to Dyestat.com).

The boys responded the way I thought they could, Warkins said. It was nice to see four of them as high up as they were, and our fifth guy [Nash] moved up farther than normal, so that helped a lot.

Reyes was the closest runner to Aurora Christians Tanner Chada and Rock Fallss Seth Williams for most of the race until being overtaken by Al Baldonado of Hall. Chada and Williams were only a few feet apart from one another for all but the final -mile, but Chada kept his lead the entire way and spread it out as the two made their way down a hill close to the finish line.

Williams, who finished eighth last year, bested that time by 18 seconds, finishing 2 seconds behind Chada with a time of 16:11. However, he traversed the course without his running partner Brayden Hamblen, who sat out the meet.

It was a little intimidating, because last year I beat him, Williams said of Chada. I was thinking that I was going to ride on him until that last half-mile and just beat him. I was hurting pretty bad coming around down the finish area, and I just couldnt do it today.

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Cross Country: Comets pack better than rest

Blow for Workington Comets as rider breaks collar bone

Last updated at 12:34, Monday, 22 September 2014

Workington Comets difficult task of progressing through the Premier League play-offs has become even harder after star rider Josh Grajczonek suffered a suspected broken collarbone

Josh Grajczonek is left with a suspected broken collar bone

Workingtons No1 was forced to withdraw from the Premier League Riders Championship at Sheffields Owlerton Stadium last night after colliding with eventual winner Simon Stead in heat 16.

News of his injury will come as a major blow to Workingtons play-off hopes. Comets are due to travel to league leaders Edinburgh Monarchs on Friday and they then host the Scottish club the following day at Derwent Park. But they may have to do without their No1 rider. However, team manager Tony Jackson is hoping that Kyle Howarth, who incurred facial and back injuries last week, will be fit this weekend.

However, west Cumbrians and ex-Comet riders Richard Lawson and Craig Cook enjoyed better luck at the play-offs.

Both went up against one another in the semi-final after Lawson, from Maryport, scored 11 points and Cook, of Cleator Moor, amassed 10 points in the qualifying heats.

Lawson who progressed to the final while Cook retired.

Lawson went up against Ostergaard, Danny King and Simon Stead in the grand final.

And it was Stead who lifted the trophy, with Lawson finishing fourth.

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Blow for Workington Comets as rider breaks collar bone

Fatima boys take Fulton Invitational title

Sunday, September 21, 2014

FULTON, Mo. The Fatima Comets bettered 21 other team Saturday to take boys team honors at the Fulton Invitational.

Fatima totaled 105 points to take the title, 10 points better than Owensville.

Hunter Hennier finished second to pace the Comets with a time of 16:37.90. Two other Comets had top-15 finishes Alex Krieg was ninth in 17:10.46, while Austin Muenks was 15th in 17:43.08.

The Linn Wildcats finished fourth with 158 points. It was a team effort for the Wildcats, who had four runners finish between 22nd and 40th. Chase Jones was Linns top finisher with a time of 17:39.88.

California finished ninth with 279 points. Adam Burkett paced the Pintos, finishing 18th in 17:52.17.

The Southern Boone Eagles took 12th with 290 points. Maguire Scheer was 13th in 17:36.78 to lead the Eagles.

The Helias Crusaders finished 15th with 319 points. Elliot Knerschield was 17th in 17:49.10 to pace the Crusaders.

Eldon finished 17th with 364 points. Chase Cook was 46th for the Mustangs, finishing in 18:55.05.

Linn took JV boys team honors with 30 points. Jacob Voss was second in the individual standings for the Wildcats.

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Fatima boys take Fulton Invitational title

Comets Re-Sign Four Players

September 19, 2014 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) Missouri Comets INDEPENDENCE, MO (September 18, 2014) - With the 2014/15 Major Arena Soccer League season set to kickoff in five weeks, the current MISL Champions led by head coach Vlatko Andonovski, have re-signed four experienced players to strengthen the roster for the upcoming season. The Missouri Comets announced today that they have reached agreements with Vahid Assadpour, Danny Waltman, Robert Palmer and Ramone Palmer.

Assadpour has re-signed with the Comets for three years and Waltman for two, while Robert and Ramone Palmer signed one-year deals. Per league and team policies, additional contract details were not disclosed.

Vahid Assadpour has been a part of the team since its return to the Major Indoor Soccer League in 2010 and helped the Comets win the 2013 MISL Championship. The Toronto, Canada native also serves as the team captain and assistant coach and has played 99 games as a Comet. The Comets' home opener will be the midfielder's 100th game with the club. Assadpour recorded 20 goals, 15 assists with a total of 57 points last season, which was good for 6th in the league and 2nd on the team.

"Vahid's our quarterback, the guy who makes the team go when he's on the field, and Danny is the best goalkeeper I've ever been around, a true leader and an exceptional teammate," said Comets Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski. "Both guys have been so instrumental in the revival of the Comets, and I know how much winning the championship last season meant to both of them."

Goalkeeper Danny Waltman was the very first player signed by the Comets upon their return to action in 2010 and has been a fan favorite ever since. His love for the Comets and reflexes under the goal were important for the Comets to win the MISL Championship last year. Waltman's 249 saves and .738 save percentage were good for 3rd in the MISL last season. Aside from his goalkeeping duties, the team announced that Waltman will now become the Comets' Youth Soccer Camp Director. The Gig Harbor, Washington native has also captained the U.S. Futsal National Team the past four summers.

"Danny is the epitome of a class-act in sports," said Team President, Brian Budzinski. "He's a champion both on and off the field. The way he gives back to the community should be the model for all athletes, and with his new role as Youth Soccer Camp Director, he will playing an even more prominent role with youth in Kansas City."

Midfielder Robert Palmer will be entering his second full season with the Comets, having joined the team midway through the 2012/13 season. On January 27, 2012 he scored his first goal at Rochester. The Kingston, Jamaica native attended Park University where he was named 2010 AMC First-Team All-Conference Performer. Last season, he played a total of 22 games recording 5 goals, 3 assists and 15 points.

Forward Ramone Palmer also joined the Comets before the 2012/13 season and will be playing his second full season with the team. He made his first appearance with the Comets on November 24, 2012 against the Baltimore Blast and scored his first goal against Chicago on December 28 that same year. Born in Kingston, Jamaica he played for Park University and was named American Midwest Conference Men's Player of the Year in 2010. Last season, he played in all 26 games recording 12 goals, 9 assists and 33 points.

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Comets Re-Sign Four Players

Comets blast South Davidson

Published: Friday, September 19, 2014 at 12:30 a.m. Last Modified: Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 12:42 a.m.

Denton On the opening series of their Yadkin Valley Conference tilt Friday night, South Davidson caught North Stanly by surprise. After Corey Hartman was sacked on the first offensive play of the game, the Wildcats faced a 2nd and 19 from their own 26-yard line.

On the next play, Hartman hit Billy Caulder on a screen along the far sideline. Caulder turned back to the middle of the field and weaved his way to the end zone, electrifying the home crowd. Hunter Query made the extra point and the Wildcats lead 7-0.

There would be no more surprises.

Behind a monster 377 -yard, five-touchdown performance from their highly recruited running back, Antonio Williams, North Stanly rolled to a 75-7 victory over the Wildcats.

On North's first play from scrimmage, Williams bolted through the middle of the line for a 45-yard scoring run and Tyler Billingsley tacked on the extra point to tie the game.

After South recovered an onside kick attempt, a fumbled snap gave the Comets the ball back at the South Davidson 44-yard line. Enter Williams again who this time raced untouched down the sideline for a 44-yard touchdown.

Williams added scoring runs of 54, 22 and 64 yards as he finished the night with a 31-yard average on 12 carries. He even had a 60-yard would-be touchdown called back on a holding penalty.

South Davidson coach Joe Cullen talked about preparing for a team like North Stanly and a player with the speed and strength of Williams.

"You spend the week talking about getting more hats on him and you talk about he's going to run through you," Cullen said. "They're going to line up in about three or four formations. They run about three plays for him and occasionally reward the fullback for his efforts. That kid could start for any school in the state," Cullen said.

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Comets blast South Davidson

ACT Comets' Vele Dukoski selected for NSW Country

ACT Comets all-rounder Vele Dukoski. Photo: Rohan Thomson

If ACT Comets gun all-rounder Vele Dukoski needs any inspiration when he walks out to face Australian cricketers Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc, all he has to do is look at his hands.

Dukoski carried so much concrete while labouring on Friday, he could barely move his hands and he knows his selection for NSW Country to take on NSW City in a 50-over game at Penrith on Sunday is an opportunity to stake a claim for a cricket career.

The 24-year-old had a breakout summer last season, not only making his Comets debut, but getting named the Futures League player of the year, as well as picking up the Solway Medal as the Comets best player.

He scored 314 runs at an average of 44.86 and took 14 wickets at just 19.43.

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It led to him earning a spot for Country alongside fellow Canberrans Nathan Lyon and Ryan Carters, as well as former Test bowler Trent Copeland and emerging Aussie quick Josh Hazlewood.

The City team is also packed with talent, including Smith, Starc and Twenty20 internationals Steve O'Keefe and Ben Rohrer.

Dukoski considers it as a massive opportunity to impress NSW and other selectors.

"I can't move my hands ... I think cricket is my way out of work hopefully, that's my life goal to not work, and play sport," he said on Friday.

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ACT Comets' Vele Dukoski selected for NSW Country

Workington Comets No1 eyeing Premier League silverware

Last updated at 11:14, Friday, 19 September 2014

Comets No1 Josh Grajczonek is aiming to beat the best in the Premier League on Sunday and bring silverware back to Workington.

Josh Grajczonek

The confident Aussie will be racing in the Premier League Riders Championship at Sheffields Owlerton Stadium (5pm start).

The top 16 riders with the highest average points total from each Premier League club will be competing for the trophy.

This will be the second time that Grajczonek has ridden in the championship and he will be hoping for better luck this time round after breaking his ankle two years ago when he rode for Glasgow.

Grajczonek, 24, is gunning for glory but is wary of the strength of this years line-up.

He said: Its a tough old one. There are going to be no easy races. Obviously I want to go there, do well and win it.

You have to keep level-headed because if things dont go well you can get upset. I am going to try to win every race.

I think the whole field is strong and everyone has ridden well at Sheffield this year.

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Workington Comets No1 eyeing Premier League silverware

Workington Comets star in horror crash

Last updated at 11:12, Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Workington Comets have been dealt a huge blow after in-form rider Kyle Howarth was injured in a horror crash on Monday night.

Kyle Howarth

The 20-year-old was injured while riding for Elite League side Coventry Bees in their home match against Poole Pirates live in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Howarth, who is from Manchester, was rushed to hospital after landing awkwardly following a collision in heat one of the meeting.

The rider has said he has broken bones in his vertebrae and broken his eye socket in two places.

It is understood that he was briefly unconscious while on the track.

Howarth provided an update on his injuries and posted a picture of himself in hospital on his Facebook page.

He said: Thanks every one for the kind messages. Im a bit battered and bruised. Still in Coventry Hospital. Broken my eye socket in two places and some vertebrae.

It is not clear at this stage how severe the breaks are.

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Workington Comets star in horror crash

Comets volleyball teams both in Prince Albert

Both the senior boys and senior girls MUCC Comets volleyball teams were in Prince Albert this weekend with the boys at St. Marys and the girls at Prince Albert Carlton. They played very well, we are getting some of the kinks out and progressing well on the team game, senior girls Comets coach Rob Moore said. The Comets placed fifth in round robin play and met TMSS in the playoff on Saturday afternoon losing 28-30, 23-25. They opened by losing 16-25, 18-25 to the host Prince Albert Carlton on Friday night. In their second round robin game the Comets lost 18-25, 25-27 to Meadow Lake. On Saturday the Comets opened losing 23-25, 21-25 to Prince Albert St. Marys, they next defeated Naicam 25-21, 25-17.In their next round robin game the Comets defeated La Loche 25-22, 25-21. They split their final round robin game 26-24, 17-25 with their playoff opponent TMSS. The senior boys Comets placed second in their pool in the initial round robin, losing to Carlton and defeating St. Josephs and Muenster. They were placed in the A side after a re-pooling and finished in a three-way tie for second. After defeating Waldheim in a tiebreaker they advanced the semifinal and again lost to Prince Albert Carlton. The Comets finished fourth after losing the bronze game. Advancing to the bronze game was a success for the Comets, who were in their first tournament of the year Compared to last year, we only have one player returning to the same position, therefore this was a good weekend for us to feel some things out, and learn a bit about our strengths and weaknesses, senior boys Comets coach Graham Calow said. The senior boys play at the University of Saskatchewan Tournament beginning September 19, while the senior girls are at Prince Albert St. Marys.

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Comets volleyball teams both in Prince Albert