Devoy tore through the Redbacks with a devastating six-wicket haul to lead the Comets to a vital 21-run win at Queanbeyan's Freebody Oval on Thursday.

The Comets endured a few nervous moments on the final day as South Australia closed in on the victory target of 286. But the visitors collapsed from 5-171 to be all out for 266 as Devoy (6-74 from 30.2 overs) capitalised on a turning pitch and the unique Duke ball.

Cricket Australia used this round of Futures League games to test the ball, which will be used in next year's Ashes series in England.

''It was a little bit weird to get used to, but I guess over the course of four days you get used to the feel in your hand,'' Devoy said.

''To be frank, I don't think they're built for Australian conditions. They chip up pretty quickly.

''Both teams have to use them, so it shouldn't be a factor.''

The Duke is renowned for generating prodigious swing compared with its Australian counterpart, the Kookaburra.

Comets paceman Nick Winter took full advantage with a devastating display of swing bowling in South Australia's first innings, claiming 4-37.

''He had it talking,'' Devoy said.

''That spell of bowling from Nick really broke the game open.

''They [the Dukes] decondition a lot quicker, so the shine disappears a lot quicker than what they do on a Kookaburra.''

Devoy, 23, came into the side to replace veteran left-arm orthodox spinner Mark Higgs, who sat out the game to concentrate on coaching.

''I did feel a little bit of pressure to make it stick,'' Devoy said. ''Over the past couple of years it's been a goal of mine to be that man on the last day.

''He [Higgs] has been doing it for so many years, so it feels really good to do the role without him there.''

The outright victory lifts the Comets to equal first on the Futures League table with a game in hand on fellow ladder leader Tasmania.

The Comets have a lengthy break before wrapping up their Futures League campaign against Queensland at Allan Border Field from February 25-28.