A remarkable afternoon of bowling at Stanhope Park produced two hat-tricks as Exmouth 2s beat Holsworthy by 40 runs in Division Three.

Freya Godfrey Holsworthy's Hat Trick Hero Freya Godfrey (pictured) claimed the first hat-trick of her career on the way to securing the Division Three bowling award, before Exmouth captain Sarah Antonio responded with a maiden hat-trick of her own and the best bowling figures of her career.

Holsworthy won the toss and chose to bowl, eventually dismissing Exmouth for 92 in 21.5 overs.

Antonio top-scored with 19, Sharon Dawkins made 13 and Sarah Strode added 10.

Godfrey’s big moment arrived late in the innings when she removed Tory Bloom, Debs Chilcott and Laura Bradbury with three successive deliveries to complete her first career hat-trick.

She finished with superb figures of 4-10 from four overs – a performance which also ensured she finished the season with the Division Three bowling award.

Jodie Gardener took 2-21, while Layla Godfrey, Sally Ashford and Terina Ellacott also picked up wickets as Holsworthy gave themselves a realistic target to chase.

Their reply began steadily, with Ashford and Hannah Steadman helping them to 23 without loss.

Antonio then took over.

She removed Freya Godfrey and Layla Godfrey in the same over before producing a hat-trick of her own, dismissing Rebecca Evans, Jodie Gardener and Terina Ellacott with three successive deliveries.

Captain Fantastic Sarah Antonio Exmouth’s Hat Trick hero It was the first hat-trick of Antonio’s career and formed part of a remarkable spell of 7-14 from six overs – her best-ever career bowling figures.

Steadman top-scored for Holsworthy with 18, but Antonio’s spell turned the game firmly Exmouth’s way as the innings quickly unravelled.

Debs Chilcott took one wicket, with Sharon Dawkins and Tory Bloom also claiming one apiece, as Holsworthy were bowled out for 52 in 17 overs.

The defeat brought Holsworthy’s league season to a close on 94 points, while Exmouth moved on to 88 and still have one game remaining against champions Bovey Tracey next Saturday.

For Holsworthy, Godfrey’s maiden hat-trick and the Division Three bowling award provided a memorable way to finish the campaign.

For Exmouth, Antonio’s first career hat-trick and career-best seven-wicket haul made it a truly special afternoon of her own.

Two maiden hat-tricks in the same match made for an extraordinary day at Stanhope Park – and two individual achievements neither player is likely to forget.

 

Chris Sleep Reporting