Blake Dean paid credit to the performance of his bowlers after his quick-fire innings helped Queanbeyan to an easy Konica Cup semi-final win over Weston Creek yesterday.
On a flat Freebody Oval deck, the Bluebaggers bowled superbly to restrict the visitors to just 9-111 in the Twenty20 clash.
Thanks to Dean's 46 off just 30 balls, Queanbeyan made light work of the run chase, reaching its victory target with five overs to spare.
Led by a brilliant opening spell from Dean Southwell (3-17), Queanbeyan reduced Weston Creek to 3-24 to gain the early ascendancy.
Weston Creek middle-order batsman Harry Medhurst gave his side hope with 40 off 26 balls, including three sixes off his first three deliveries from off-spinner Dan Rootes.
But once he was bowled by Queanbeyan captain Mark Higgs, the total was always going to be difficult to defend on a batter-friendly pitch.
It sets up a finale against Tuggeranong, who beat WestsUC in the other semi by 26 runs.
Tuggeranong batted first and made 149, with Justin Haywood (63) and Michael Wescombe (35) doing most of the damage. Despite a strong 73 from skipper Darren Richards, WestsUC never threatened to reel in the target.
Yesterday's innings was a timely confidence boost for Dean, who is part of an ACT Comets side to play a star-studded NSW in a four-day clash from today.
The Blues' batting, led by dropped Shield players Phil Jaques and Nic Maddinson, is particularly strong, but Deans is confident the Comets can secure their first four-day win of the summer at Blacktown.
''With all the rain up there the wicket will be a bit green and pretty different to Manuka, so it will be a good challenge,'' Deans said.
''Our batting's not really the problem, we've scored a fair few runs, we just haven't been able to bowl teams out.''
That issue should be helped by the return of pace trio Ben Oakley, Andrew Maher and Nick Winter from injury.
Oakley claimed 3-8 in a devastating four-over spell for WestsUC yesterday and is relishing the chance to take on NSW's talented batting line-up.
''Obviously those guys are high-quality first-class cricketers, but I've been back for a couple of weeks now and am feeling pretty good,'' he said.
TODAY
Futures League day one of four: NSW v ACT Comets at Blacktown Sportspark, 11am.
ACT Comets: Sam Miller, Andrew Maher, John Nicoll, Aaron Ayre, Dean Solway, Blake Dean, Ben Oakley, Nick Winter, Mark Higgs (c), Dan Rootes, Jonathon Dean, Michael Spaseski.
NSW: Phil Jaques (c), Sean Abbott, Tim Cruickshank, David Dawson, Luke Doran, Scott Henry, Nic Maddinson, James Munting, Tristen McDonald, Chris Tremain, Timm Van Der Gugten, Adam Zampa.
.gif)
