Devoy joined a competitive list of Canberra's top talent pushing their cases for spots in the Comets side at Manuka Oval on Sunday in a new format designed to bridge the gap between first grade and representative competitions.

Comets coach Aidan Blizzard will cast his eye over the hopefuls, who are trying to force their way into the team for the clash against Western Australia from January 11-14.

Devoy decided to play in Sydney's grade competition for Easts last year to test himself against stronger opposition and press his claims for higher honours.

However, a shoulder problem sidelined him for a month and he faces a challenge to win back his spot in the Comets side.

The 26-year-old made his comeback on Saturday in Sydney and then backed up in Canberra, finishing with 1-27 off 10 overs and scoring 17 runs.

"I'll probably have to just manage the shoulder throughout the year, just be professional with the recovery and put myself in a position to play as much as possible," Devoy said.

"I feel like it's a stronger level of competition in Sydney because you improve each week because you're tested.

"Travelling up there every week is tough, but if you're looking to get better every week then you can only get better by doing that.

"It's just about making sure I'm ready when the next opportunity comes so I can make an impact. Trial games like this are good to make sure you're competing well."

Blake Dean has shouldered most of the Comets' spinning duties this year, taking 3-42 in the second innings of the Comets' win against the Victoria under-23s last month.

However, Dean has a shoulder injury and will miss the next six weeks to recover, ruling him out of the Comets' next match.

English county cricket off-spinner Joe Ashmore is the leading wicket taker in Canberra's first-grade competition, claiming 22 at an average of 11.09.

Devoy is a former best and fairest winner in Canberra's premier competition and has previously claimed 6-74 and 9-98 for the Comets against South Australia.

"Club players get a chance in this trial which is massive. One of the biggest challenges the Comets have had in the past is bridging the gap," Devoy said.

"You've got to be at a certain level to play second XI, and if this game helps then it's definitely good for cricket in Canberra."

Sam Taylor was the standout bowler for "Team Starr" – coached by Randall Starr – with the Weston Creek Molonglo spearhead taking 4-38.

"Team Richards" struggled with the bat, but scrapped their way to 210 off 47 overs, John Rogers trying to rescue the innings with 46.

Wicketkeeper Tom Vane Tempest had to leave the field to get stitches after he was hit in the face when standing behind the stumps to Devoy's bowling before "Team Starr" won by two wickets with 11 balls to spare.

Meanwhile, the ACT under-19s team is through to the qualifying final of the national championships after beating South Australia in a thriller on Sunday.

The ACT side scored 231, with South Australia finishing at 9-229.