ACT Comets youngster Blake MacDonald scored an unbeaten half century in his Futures League debut to save his side from disaster.
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Coming to the crease with Comets in massive trouble at 3-6, MacDonald showed great composure along with Andrew Harriott to steer his side to a draw against the South Australian second XI at Manuka Oval on Thursday.
MacDonald scored an unbeaten 69 while Harriott finished on 74 not out as the Comets went to stumps at 3-145 when rain stopped play, chasing 275 for the outright victory.
The Comets still collected two points for the first innings win thanks to centuries on the second day from former Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and Adelaide Strikers batsman Jono Dean.
But it took a defiant rearguard action from MacDonald and Harriott to save the Comets from embarrassment
While he would have preferred the conditions were more favourable, Comets coach Aidan Blizzard was elated with how the two youngsters batted in the second innings.
"Obviously we would have loved to have played the full game without the weather interruptions, but on the whole we were really, really rapt with the opportunities that our young guys got," Blizzard said.
"Particularly Blake stood up and [spinner] Ben Taylor did a great job with the ball as well.
"For those guys to play with Brad Haddin on an international standard cricket wicket, we were really happy with everything that happened."
Ginninderra fast bowler Cameron Sudigeest was the pick of the Comets' bowlers taking seven wickets for the match.
"The experienced guys really helped develop our young guys," Blizzard said.
"We decided to drop Brad down the order today to give Blake an opportunity.
"It's been invaluable having the experienced guys around."
FUTURES LEAGUE: ACT Comets 358 and 3-145 (Andrew Harriott 74no, Blake MacDonald 69no) v South Australia second XI 291 and 8-341 (dec) at Manuka Oval.
