Eastlake captain Michael Spaseski believes his team are better equipped to take their strong regular season form into the Gallop Cup finals than they were a year ago.
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The Demons made it a perfect four-from-four to start the 50-over competition with a bonus point victory against ANU at Kingston Oval on Saturday.
Eastlake were cruising at 2-134 from just 24 overs chasing ANU's total of 171 when rain stopped play.
Spaseski belted an unbeaten 70 from 77 balls including five sixes, while leg-spinner Ashley Meek (4-32) and English import Joe Ashmore (3-34) took seven wickets between them.
The Demons are on track for their second straight minor premiership, but want to make amends for bowing out in the semi-finals last season.
"There's a lot more unity this season," Spaseski said. "Everyone understands their roles and that's what makes it a good team. Everyone's chipping in and that's what gets results."
Eastlake lost fast bowler Josh Bennett to the Sydney grade competition and all-rounder Vele Dukoski to Queanbeyan.
That has opened the door for Meek to take his opportunity in first grade, while Ashmore is the competition's leading wicket-taker.
"We've already guaranteed semi-finals, so it's about where we finish in the top four," Spaseski said. "Obviously you would like to have a home game, but it doesn't really matter. As long as you're in the top four, anyone can win."
Queanbeyan warmed up for Sunday night's regional Twenty20 final with a double bonus point victory against reigning 50-over champions Wests/UC at Freebody Oval.
Former NSW and SA all-rounder Mark Higgs turned back the clock to take 4-25 from five overs as Wests/UC slumped to 7-63 chasing Queanbeyan's total of 229.
Promising opener Henry Hunt top-scored for Queanbeyan with 52, while Wests/UC's left-arm paceman Ben Oakley claimed 3-31.
North Canberra Gungahlin claimed the points in a rain-affected match against Ginninderra at Harrison. Norths posted 7-211 from their 50 overs before Ginninderra was reduced to 3-58 after 18 overs when rain stopped play.
At Stirling Oval, a quick-fire 59 from Jono Dean helped Weston Creek Molonglo to a nine-wicket win over Tuggeranong in a Duckworth-Lewis result.
Weston Creek was 1-117 after 19 overs when rain stopped play in reply to Tuggeranong's total of 251. Dean is in fine form for Sunday night's Twenty20 final against Queanbeyan.
SUNDAY Regional Twenty20 final: Queanbeyan v Weston Creek Molonglo at Manuka Oval, 7pm.
