David Kandilas in action during the ABL round 3 clash against the Auckland Tuatara. Photos: SMPIMAGES.COM/ABL MEDIA.
It has been a long three weeks for the Canberra Cavalry.
Having travelled from Melbourne to Sydney and then crossing the ditch to take on Auckland, the Cavs are now back in the nation’s capital and are immediately faced with an intimidating task.
The Cavalry will face last year’s winners Brisbane Bandits for the first time since they lost to the three-time champions in the final match of the 2018 Championship series. The Bandits have started the new season in great form and sit on top of the ABL’s Northeast conference as the Cavalry start to build momentum into their season.
Fueled with revenge, David Kandilas said the home side is keen to get their opening home series at the newly redeveloped ballpark off to the perfect start.
“A few of the guys who played last year will still have a chip on their shoulder about the way the season ended. It left us with a sour taste in our mouths,” Kandilas said. “We are looking to go out there and try and prove a point early on, especially since the fans will be seeing us for the first time in the renovated ballpark.
“Brisbane has set the benchmark early and they know teams are chasing them. They have set the standard quite high so it’s going to be a really good display of competitive baseball over the weekend.”
Canberra will unveil a revamped Narrabundah Ballpark tonight (6 December) after the Fort underwent a $5 million redevelopment of the grandstand, locker rooms and amenities. With five of the Cavalry’s next seven series at home, Kandilas said the desire to ‘Defend the Capital’ burns deep within the team.
“Defend the Capital speaks volumes for us,” he said. “For me personally, this is my third year back in Canberra and ever since I have come down here I have been welcomed with open arms. It’s one big happy family.
“When you go to the ballpark and you experience the atmosphere, you can tell the fans genuinely care and they really want us to do well and be successful. It is a real honour to play in front of them and we don’t take it lightly.”
Thursday: Canberra Cavalry vs Brisbane Bandits at Narrabundah Ballpark, 7 pm.
Friday: Canberra Cavalry vs Brisbane Bandits at Narrabundah Ballpark, 7 pm.
Saturday: Canberra Cavalry vs Brisbane Bandits at Narrabundah Ballpark, 7 pm.
Sunday: Canberra Cavalry vs Brisbane Bandits at Narrabundah Ballpark, 12 pm.
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