Queanbeyan's season so far hasn't been what Canberra cricket is used to - with two trophies already decided, the Bluebags are yet to feature in a finals series.
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Queanbeyan batsman Dean Solway is eyeing a change in fortune and is looking to take on a bigger role in search of his fourth two-day Douglas Cup title.
Solway played in Queanbeyan's trifecta of Douglas Cup wins from 2009-10 to 2011-12, while younger brother Mark is looking to etch his name into Canberra cricket folklore with his maiden two-day premiership.
The brothers have a lot of work to do if they are going to catch their old man Peter - Canberra first grade's all-time leading run scorer has appeared in 13 Douglas Cup deciders for seven wins.
Peter is still adding to his list of premierships in third grade as he gives rival captains nightmares.
"He enjoys it, helping the young guys coming through," Dean Solway said.
"He still loves it, I think he'd still rather that than a game of golf. As long as he can run to some extent he'll still be playing."
Queanbeyan cricket is very much a family affair for the Solway trio, and Dean says the tight-knit culture extends throughout the entire club.
"Even though we haven't had the success that we have wanted, I think where we're at as a club and as a team is really good at the moment," Dean Solway said.
"We're all really happy and enjoying the season just the same so that's the main thing."
Queanbeyan are without a few big names this summer - Henry Hunt scored 781 runs last season and is now trying his luck in Sydney, Mark Higgs isn't rolling the arm over too often and Michael Curtale is gone.
It's up to the Solway brothers and skipper Vele Dukoski to lead the way against competition heavyweights Weston Creek Molonglo at Freebody Oval on Saturday.
The brothers are more than capable of rising to the occasion - before Christmas Dean Solway belted his high score of 172* against North Canberra-Gungahlin, and all-rounder Mark followed it up with 115 of his own against Eastlake.
"We need to step up a bit this year if we want play finals and keep winning games of cricket," Dean Solway said.
"It's probably a bit of a challenge but we need a few guys to step up if we're going to give it a run this year, I guess that happens when you lose a few senior blokes.
"I think we've been competitive, just a little bit less consistent than what we have been over the last few years.
"It's a bit disappointing but we'll still back ourselves to qualify for the two-day stuff, and we'll give that a run if we can."
Queanbeyan are well-placed to return to the finals frame in March, currently sitting in top spot on the Douglas Cup table with one win and one draw.
With the competition's top four teams all level on points, Queanbeyan face a tough task against Creek's imposing batting lineup on a deck renowned for big scores.
CRICKET ACT DOUGLAS CUP
Saturday: Round 10 - North Canberra-Gungahlin v Eastlake at Harrison No 2 Oval, Queanbeyan v Weston Creek Molonglo at Freebody Oval, Tuggeranong Valley v Western District-UC at Chisholm Oval, Ginninderra v ANU at Kippax No 2 Oval. All games at 11am.
