The Christmas break, washouts and the bye meant Thornton hadn’t played for six weeks.

But any cobwebs were swept away in Sunday’s John Bull Shield clash with Newcastle when Dent made a confident 64 and key bowlers Rick Mace and Christ Archer combined for five wickets.

The form of the key trio and the enthusiasm of the rest of the squad has Dent confident going into the final three rounds of the season, starting with the weekend’s two-dayer against league leaders City United, followed by games against Kurri Weston and Northern Suburbs

“It’s been a while since we played, with Christmas, the rain and then the bye, but I’m confident we can win the next three games,” he said.

“Personally, it was good to get out in the middle again on Sunday. I was ­hitting them all right finally. It’s been a while.

“Ricky Mace (3-24) has been very good all season and got some good wickets on Sunday. Chris Archer (2-6) bowled really well to pick up a couple of wickets as well.

“The boys have been really ­frustrated not being able to play. 

“But the enthusiasm has been great when we’ve been able to get on the practice wicket.

“We had a really good session on Tuesday and will have another on Friday to get us ready.” 

Thornton face City United at Robins Oval, but City’s aura of invincibility after winning the first six matches of the season, has waned with losses to Kurri Weston and  Western Suburbs.

Dent said his team would go in at full-strength apart from Jeremy Kirk, who will be replaced by English guest player Sam Thompson.

“We’re just waiting on the clearance for Sam but their shouldn’t be any problems. 

“He bowls off-spin and bats.”

It shapes as a crucial round for other finals aspirants, with equal fifth placed Northern Suburbs and Raymond Terrace playing at Lorn Park for any chance to challenge for fourth spot.

Kurri Weston can grab valuable points when they meet Eastern Suburbs at East Maitland Park.

While it’s been a season to forget for the Griffins they will be desperate to secure their first win,

Western Suburbs have the bye.

Round 12 - February 6-7