Few families are as deeply woven into the fabric of ACT cricket as the Solway’s.
This week, that legacy reaches another milestone as Mark Solway makes his long-awaited debut for the ACT Comets in their Toyota Second XI clash against Western Australia, proudly stepping into the shoes of his father Peter Solway and older brother Dean Solway.
The occasion is particularly significant for the Solway family and ACT cricketing community. Peter Solway is one of the ACT’s greatest cricketers. Over a distinguished career, he still holds the record for both most matches played, and most runs scored for the ACT, with the Comets’ Player of the Year award, The Solway Medal, named in his honour.
And now, that same medal could one day be awarded to his own son.
“People talk about their idols in cricket—mine was always my dad and my older brother growing up,” Mark said.
While this is a debut moment for Mark, it’s a story years in the making. All starting in the Solway family home.
“The earliest memory I have is in the hallway playing cricket with my brother and dad in a nappy, I reckon, using one of the little signature bats. From there to years of backyard cricket where Dean didn’t let me bat and I would always be bowling; so, I probably had a bit of catching up to do there on my batting!” he recalled.
“It’s pretty special to be following in their footsteps. When I found out, the first thing I did was message them and they were as excited for me as I was.”
Despite those early days, Mark has steadily grown into his game, embracing the hard work and preparation required to perform at this level.
“I guess the biggest thing for me is that it’s not just about being picked. The ultimate goal is to play my role and contribute and try and win games for the ACT. That is the number one goal for everyone.”
Now, the youngest Solway will don the Comets colours for the first time.
“I guess the first feeling was excitement when Jono gave me the call. I am pretty stoked,” Mark shared.
“I’ve sort of been working towards it for a while so definitely when I found out, that initial feeling was pretty good.”
Coach Jonathon Dean praised both the maturity and preparation Mark has shown in the lead-up to his debut.
“Marky has been really close the last couple of years,” Dean said.
“I continued to ask him to keep performing and scoring runs and stick with the contest. He’s put in a good preseason, is hitting the ball really well, and understands his game. I’m really looking forward to seeing him debut, especially given the family history. It’s a really cool experience” He added.
For Peter Solway, this week is more than a proud moment, it’s a continuation of a journey that began decades ago, now passed down to the next generation. And for ACT cricket fans, it’s a chance to witness the evolution of a cricketing family that has given so much to the territory.
“Words of wisdom from Dad? Probably just: ‘watch the ball.’” Mark reflected.
Mark Solway headlines a group of four debutants selected to play in the upcoming Second XI fixture. A sign of exciting change and depth within the Comets squad.
Harry Thomas:
“There’s a bit more of a pep in my step the last couple of weeks. That phone call gave me a visual of all the hard work paying off. Now it’s on me to perform.”
Zac Maron:
“It’s a very cool place to make your debut. I’ve watched so much cricket there growing up—it’s a bit surreal to play there now.”
Lukas Boorer:
“Seeing so many guys I looked up to play for the Comets and now getting my shot—it’s a dream come true.”
These debutants, alongside Mark Solway, represent the next generation of ACT cricket and in Mark’s case, a continuation of one of its proudest stories.
Don’t miss a moment of the Comets in the Toyota Second XI competition as they take on Western Australia at the WACA from October 13-16.
Head to the WA Cricket Livestream YouTube channel to follow the match.