College Sport: Captaincy fun test for allrounder

Jack Coman says there are some great players coming through in Sacred Heart's First XI and the team will be in good shape when he leaves this year. Picture / Chris Loufte

Assuming the captaincy has helped make Jack Coman a better allround cricketer.

The Sacred Heart College First XI skipper admits it can be challenging, but he is enjoying the responsibility.

"It's tricky at times, but it's helped develop other aspects of my game. It's non-stop thinking and I can't relax at times during games like I used to," says the 17-year-old senior student at Sacred Heart.

Coman bats at second drop (No 4) and is often the glue for his team around which they can build a total. He debuted in Year 10 and is a prolific scorer, with two centuries in 2015, none better than his undefeated 147 against King's last November.

"I was really struggling early, playing and missing quite a bit, But Adam [MacKinnon] and I stuck it out, kept our wicket and the next weekend it was a lot easier, a big partnership on a nice flat pitch on a sunny day," says Coman.

He and MacKinnon enjoy batting together, running the singles hard and keeping their approach uncluttered.

Sacred Heart's new director of cricket, former Central Districts coach Alan Hunt, has helped Coman develop his game.

"Alan's doing a pretty good job. It's good to see someone come in with a long-term plan. He's building it from the ground up in a way, organising the juniors and coaches.

"I've done a little bit of technical work with him on my batting, but it's more about the captaincy side of my game, talking about field settings. I find that's where I get the most out of him," says Coman.

Coman has played Eastern Districts age grade rep cricket and he turns out for Parnell in that club's premier reserves when not playing for Sacred Heart. He has plenty of good mentors there with former Black Cap Tim McIntosh still scoring heavily at premier level and coach Ian Trott a deep well of knowledge. Coman is keen to stay there if he remains in Auckland for his university studies.

Hunt rates Coman: "Jack is quite a mature cricketer. I see a career in the game for him ... I've got high hopes for him."

Last weekend Coman took 2-41 with his brisk medium-pacers to help Sacred Heart to a three-wicket win over Macleans, keeping them on target for their goal of qualifying for, and winning, the Plate (middle) section of premier play in term four.

Coman feels the First XI will be in good stead when he and other senior players depart at the end of the year. There have been some useful seasons in his time in the team, though the Championship title proves elusive.

"The First XI is quite a young team and there's some good talent to come through."

Sacred Heart hosts Liston this Saturday in round two of the bottom six one-day section.