Why? Because at 47 years old Phelps became the oldest player in almost 100 years to make his Cricket ACT first grade debut and he was about to be called on to help win the game.

Ginninderra was chasing North Canberra-Gungahlin's total of 137 at Kippax and looked to be cruising despite the absence of five regular players. All of a sudden the Tigers lost four wickets and Phelps was next in line, but his nerves weren't necessary because the Tigers managed to secure victory thanks to Dylan Faram and Tim Hazell.

Phelps, a former NSW first-class cricketer who played alongside the likes of Steve Waugh, Brad Haddin and the state's best, is the Ginninderra coach and hasn't played in three years. He retired from first-class cricket in 2006.

"Any time you're batting, it doesn't matter if it's fourth grade of first grade, there's always nerves," Phelps said.

"I actually just got fined because I went away and I was jumping up and down. I was a bit jittery, so I'll cop the fine."

Phelps is the third oldest player in Cricket ACT history to make a first-grade debut and the oldest since FWA Shoobert made his debut as a 29-year-old in the 1923-24 season.

The oldest player to make his debut in Canberra was WH Gribble, who played his first game in 1922-23.

"I didn't think I'd be playing. But when we were talking about selections we thought if we had to bring so many guys up, it would decimate the lower grades," Phelps said.

"I thought I could play, bat down the order and knock a few around if needed. I'm not too sore yet."

Phelps was called on when the Tigers were hit by injuries and availability problems before the one-day clash, including skipper Rhys Healy. Phelps and 17-year-old Ryan Wunsch made their debut, while several others had to make the step up from lower grades.

Sam Gaskin made his comeback for his first game since 2017, taking 2-24 off 10 overs and Brad Kwong impressed with the ball, taking four wickets to have North Canberra-Gungahlin all out for 137 off 42 overs.

Josh Watling was captaining the side for the first time and led from the front, getting the run chase off to a perfect start before he was dismissed for 37 off 36 balls.

"We had a big mix of ages. It was really good to have guys come in and step up," Watling said. "It was a good chance for us to really get ourselves into that top four and do a really good job with bat and ball.

"It's hard to come into a game when you've got such a different team, you're a little bit unsure but always have faith as well.

"I didn't know Matt was going to play until last night. It was really good to have him there as well, especially to help in my first game as captain."

Grant Forrest was the standout for North Canberra-Gungahlin, anchoring the innings with a defiant 70 of 144 balls to give his side a chance of victory.

He was the last man out and one of only three players to reach double figures. Five North Canberra-Gungahlin batsmen fell without scoring while three scored just one run each.

Meanwhile, the ACT Aces will play against the Wagga Sloggers in the Regional Bash at Chisholm on Sunday.

CRICKET ACT

One-day competition

Round four: North Canberra-Gungahlin 10-137 lost to Ginninderra 5-138, ANU 10-190 bt Eastlake 9-141, Tuggeranong 6-145 bt Queanbeyan 10-119, Weston Creek Molonglo 8-244 bt Western District 9-242