That he would do so in his lesser-known guise as a part-time medium-pacer was somewhat less predictable.

Smith, whose prolific summer has been highlighted by a big hundred for the Comets against the New Zealand tourists and another convincing innings for the Prime Minister's XI, was called into the attack half-an-hour after tea yesterday.

Queanbeyan, chasing 278 for victory on a conspicuously lifeless pitch, had reached 2-178 when Smith broke a 46-run partnership between Michael O'Rourke and Adam Heading that was threatening to sweep the Bluebags to victory by stumps.

As it was, Smith had Heading caught in the gully and proceeded to remove O'Rourke, Michael Frost first ball and Collier. He returned 4 for 23 from his 11 overs and in doing so has taken Creek to the threshold of back-to-back premierships.

At stumps the Bluebags were 8-238, still 41 runs adrift. Critically, veteran paceman Dean Lovett removed Dean Mansfield with the last ball of the day to break an eighth-wicket stand of 26 that had brought Queanbeyan back into the reckoning.

Armed with the new ball, and motivated by the occasion of his last day in Canberra cricket before retirement, Lovett will have first crack at the new batsman this morning. He more than anyone will savour the moment should Creek complete victory today. However, to Smith will go the plaudits.

There was no particular cunning in his method, no venom in his delivery, just the old fashioned and uncomplicated observance of the merits in bowling stump-to-stump and keeping the ball up to the bat.

"We use Jack very sparingly but he always pops up and gets a few wickets," Creek skipper Sean Maxwell said. "He's not a last resort but there are certain circumstances where he's a better option than others."

Creek had taken its overnight total of 7-233 to 278 on the back of a resilient 81 from Peter Seberry. After losing Stephen Frost cheaply, O'Rourke and Coleborne put on 107 for the second wicket, the former surviving a shout for caught behind on his way to a hundred.

Queanbeyan's top order has been full of runs in the lead up to this grand final, but yesterday they let themselves down in conditions that were perfect for batting.

The ball is new and Creek scent victory; Queanbeyan's only solace will be the flatness of this dozy pitch.