Mark Higgs-Jono Dean battle tipped to be critical in Twenty20 decider

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Mark Higgs-Jono Dean battle tipped to be critical in Twenty20 decider

By Jon Tuxworth

Weston Creek all-rounder Blake Dean admits "it feels a bit strange" playing former side Queanbeyan with a trophy on the line.

But he believes the battle between Queanbeyan off-spinner Mark Higgs and his brother Jono Dean could be pivotal in Sunday night's Twenty20 final at Manuka Oval.

Weston Creek Molonglo all-rounder Blake Dean is preparing to take on old side Queanbeyan in Sunday's Twenty20 final.

Weston Creek Molonglo all-rounder Blake Dean is preparing to take on old side Queanbeyan in Sunday's Twenty20 final. Credit: Melissa Adams

The Dean brothers and fellow top order batsman Sam Taylor are all former Queanbeyan players, meaning both teams will have inside knowledge of each other.

"It feels a bit strange, but there'll be no real massive feeling [out in the middle], obviously it would be nice to win for Weston Creek," Blake Dean said.

"The most interesting thing will be how Higgsy and Jono go against each other, that's one of the biggest match-ups you'll see going around in local cricket.

"Higgsy has been the standout bowler for the last eight years and Jono has been the standout bat, it'll be interesting to see who wins that."

Jono, contracted to Big Bash League side Adelaide Strikers, blasted 95 and in the qualifying matches, while Blake smashed 102 off 56 ball in the win over Tuggeranong Valley.

However Blake believes their bowlers hold the key to victory.

"Our batting is probably our strength at the moment but the thing which will win us the game is our bowling," he said.

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"I reckon Djali Bloomfield is one of the premier Twenty20 bowlers in the comp and facing that bowling under lights isn't something most of the local guys are used to."

The Twenty20 competition's reduced format this year, which saw each team play three games in two pools before the final, was met with some criticism.

But Blake said the uncertainty surrounding whether ACT will push for inclusion in the Big Bash League or Matador Cup make fixturing difficult.

"I know it's tough for ACT cricket, it'd be good to see more but then again you'd have to sacrifice some one day cricket," he said.

"I think they've done an outstanding job with the fixture this year.

"If we're looking to get a Big Bash team we need to play more T20, but if we're going to get a one day side we need to play more of that.

"We don't know what the future holds."

A full round of the 50-over competition will also be played on Saturday.

SUNDAY

Twenty20 grand final: Queanbeyan v Weston Creek at Manuka Oval, 7pm

SATURDAY

One day competition: Queanbeyan v Wests at Freebody Oval; Weston Creek Molonglo v Tuggeranong Valley at Stirling Oval, North Canberra Gungahlin v Ginninderra at Harrison no.2 Oval, Eastlake v ANU at Kingston Oval (all games start 11am)

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