Blake Ivery has had a nightmare start to life as the new Tuggeranong Valley's captain. In its first four matches of the season, the club has endured four washouts.
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And as further rain fell across the capital this week, the 21-year-old was concerned for Saturday's two-day opener against Vusi Sibanda's Eastlake.
"Chisholm Oval is still quite wet, so we are hoping for plenty of sunshine before Saturday," Ivery said.
"It was disappointing again not to get on last weekend, particularly as ANU and Eastlake were able to play [on Sunday].
"But it is what it is and hopefully we can begin our two-day campaign on Saturday, as it's the competition everyone wants to win."
Ivery has taken on the Tuggeranong captaincy this season, taking over from his ACT under 12's coach Shane Devoy.
Devoy said it was the right time to hand the reins over to the young batsman, who had proven himself a leader among the playing group.
"With Blake you are going to get a guy that's got a very level head, he is very relationships focused," Devoy said.
"He is a very well-respected member of our group and I am sure people around town as they get to know Blake, will begin to appreciate him and the way he will lead Tuggeranong."
Tuggeranong has produced some of the finest cricketers in the region, including Australian limited overs bowler Jason Behrendorff, as well as Queensland representatives Jason and Benji Floros.
Ivery said he couldn't be prouder to lead the club for the first time.
"A lot of quality players have gone through our club and to be named as captain and to lead a bunch of great players, it's a huge honour," Ivery said.
"No doubt a big challenge this year, but one I will definitely enjoy."
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Tuggeranong has lost some key players over the last few years, including wicketkeeper Tom Vane-Tempest in 2020.
But Ivery was confident Tuggeranong was still a force to be reckoned with, having recruited Lewis Evans and Angus Jones from ANU, as well as Josh Staines from Wests to fill the void behind the stumps.
"Over the last couple of seasons, we have lost a couple of Floros's and Tom, however, we still have developed a quite solid core group," Ivery said.
"Also, the additions we have made this season have really fitted in nicely. I think the boys are just really keen to start playing together."
DOUGLAS CUP ROUND ONE Saturday 7 and 14 November:
Western District v Queanbeyan at Jamison
Ginninderra v Weston Creek Molonglo at Kippax
North Canberra-Gungahlin v ANU at Keith Tournier Memorial
Tuggeranong Valley v Eastlake at Chisholm
