Weston Creek Molonglo all-rounder Blake Dean is in ominous form for Sunday's one-day final, posting his second century in as many games.
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After scoring 110 in last weekend's washed-out Gallop Cup decider, Dean again tormented the Wests/UC bowling attack with 111 in his side's first-innings victory in their Douglas Cup match at Jamison Oval on Saturday.
Older brother and Adelaide Strikers batsman Jono Dean chipped in with 64 as Creek declared at 5-299, a lead of 219.
However, a fine 97 from 15-year-old Matthew Gilkes helped Wests/UC to 2-165 at stumps and avoided an outright defeat.
Creek captain Michael Delaney said he hadn't seen Blake Dean in better form than he has been this summer.
"He's been unbelievable all year," Delaney said.
"I don't think there would be many blokes around able to catch him with the runs he's scored.
"He's taking wickets as well, so he's been a huge plus for us."
Wests/UC will welcome back all-rounder Adam Hewitt and veteran opening batsman Darren Richards after both sat out the two-day game, but Gilkes hasn't played enough one-day games to qualify for the final.
Captain Ben Oakley said he was pleased with his side's batting effort in the second innings.
"We've got a couple of plans for Blake, but when a bloke's in form, you've got to bowl consistent areas and not let him get away," Oakley said.
"They've got the edge, they've got some form in the one-day comp after posting 275 last week on their home ground.
"It'll be a good fight."
Time was the enemy of Queanbeyan as it fell 25 runs short of claiming an outright victory against Ginninderra.
After declaring at 3-243 with a lead of 35 runs, Queanbeyan bowled Ginninderra out for 116, but finished at 1-56 in a frantic four-over chase.
Captain Sam Taylor smashed 39 off 13 balls.
Eastlake cruised to its fifth straight first-innings victory to remain on top of the table, with captain Michael Spaseski leading the way with 106 not out against Tuggeranong.
After Eastlake declared at 7-293 with a lead of 202 runs, Tuggeranong finished at 3-158 at stumps, with skipper Michael Barrington-Smith unbeaten on 74 to prevent the outright defeat.
ANU secured the final North Canberra Gungahlin wicket with nine minutes to spare to record their first win of the two-day competition.
Captain Mark Bennett scored 119 in ANU's 303. Andrew Glover's 108 wasn't enough for Norths, and they were bowled out for 226.
SUNDAY: Gallop Cup final: Weston Creek Molonglo v Wests/UC at Stirling Oval, 11am
