A HAT-TRICK doesn’t come around every day, but for Ouyen Rams captain Alex Morrish, who claimed the fifth of his career over the weekend, the feeling is one he’s familiar with.
Playing at Blackburn Park, the opposing team, Millewa Bullants were on shaky ground at 4-22.
At the end of the tenth over, Morrish caught and bowled James Walker, ending his day on a duck from six deliveries.
With one ball remaining for the over, Dylan Twaddle came to the crease, but not for long as he was promptly dismissed for a golden duck when the ball hit his pads and he was given out LBW.
It was a long wait until the next over, but a maiden to fellow Rams bowler James Wilson meant new batter Nicholas Clark, was on strike for his first ball of the day.
Morrish steamed in, made sure the ball was on target and it crashed into the stumps, sparking jubilation from his teammates.
“I haven’t been bowling very well, haven’t taken many wickets all year so it was nice to actually perform for the side,” Morrish said.
“The novelty hasn’t worn off but I’m just a bit more accustomed to them I suppose.”
The medium-pacer went on to take 5-12 in eight overs for Ouyen, who easily chased down Millewa’s total of 52.
After losing their first game of the season, the Rams have not lost since and sit atop the Red Cliffs Cricket Association ladder with a record of 6-1.
“We’re a fairly deep side, if a couple of us fail with the ball or the stick, someone else usually stands up, we’re going all right,” Morrish said.