St George’s colt Keegan Jones: I just want to help out the team
St George’s colt Keegan Jones can hardly wait to make his Cup Match debut at Somerset Cricket Club this week.
The 19-year-old all-rounder is primed for the big occasion and is determined to play a part as he tries to help his team-mates finally put an end to Somerset’s dominant streak in the two-day classic.
“I just want to do what I have to and help out the team; do whatever I need to do to help my team-mates,” Jones told The Royal Gazette.
“I just want to have fun and play good cricket with my team-mates. That’s my goal going into every game.”
Jones is optimistic that St George’s can rise to the challenge in hostile territory.
“I think we’ve got a great group of guys for this Cup Match,” he said. “I personally think we can do it and we just have to work hard for it and push through.”
Jones scored 25 runs and conceded only 12 runs when bowling five overs, including two maidens, of stingy spin for the President’s XI during St George’s final Cup Match trial at Wellington Oval. That proved enough to secure his spot as the only change in the East End team this year.
The young player revealed that he only discovered that he had been given the nod through social media.
“I wasn’t there at the club when the team was announced, but I was thankful when I saw my name on the board,” Jones said.
“Someone posted it and that’s when I first saw it. I was excited obviously and grateful to everyone who chose me.”
The promising player has made a seamless transition to St George’s after joining them from Flatts Victoria and is relishing playing with his new team-mates.
“These guys are really cool and I enjoy playing with them,” he said.
“They lift you up no matter what and they will hold you accountable, which is what you need as a youngster, so I enjoy playing with them.”
Jones announced his arrival at the club in a big way as he stroked a half century (50) in a four-wicket win for St George’s against Somerset in the T20 Premier Division at Somerset Cricket Club on his debut.
He has also shone with the ball, claiming four for 50 more recently in a losing cause against a powerful Southampton Rangers line-up boasting St George’s Cup Match team-mates Delray Rawlins and Onias Bascome.
“My bowling has been pretty good and I think I have improved a good bit from last year,” he said.
Jones was in menacing form with the ball in the convincing six-wicket win by St George’s in Colts Cup Match at Somerset Cricket Club on Sunday. The St George’s captain kept the batsmen guessing as he varied his line and length to lethal effect on the way to bagging a remarkable eight wickets for 38 runs.
“Keegan had a rough first hour but after having a pep talk with him at the break he came out roaring, showing the quality that got him picked for the Classic on Thursday and Friday,” said Ryan Steede, the St George’s coach.
