A SIX-wicket haul is a handy day out but for Irymple bowler Dom Price, he would have loved at least one less delivery.
An elusive hat-trick evaded the 24-year-old for the second time in as many seasons on Saturday night, however he is still stoked to have claimed 6/13 against Mildura West.
Price cleaned up West’s lower order to help dismiss them for 96 under lights at John Hall Oval, well short of the 161 run target set by the Swallows.
After the earlier wickets of Greg Lewis and Shaun Hawking, Price dismissed top scorer Stefan Knudsen (35) before catching Shane Driscoll LBW next delivery.
“I pushed the next one down leg side which was a bit disappointing but I bowled him (Charlie Walker) next ball so I can’t complain too much,” Price said.
“I was on a hat-trick at one stage last season as well and missed out, so I can’t quite seem to get that wicket but I was still stoked with what I was able to do.
“I’ve been bowling pretty well in nets before this game and I think I felt pretty prepared coming in.
“Our coaches have are also giving me that opportunity to bowl first or second change and I came on after some really good bowling from Ryan Muir and Billy Phelan.”
Knudsen, Shaun Hawking (30) and Brandon Dixon (18) were the only West batters to reach double figures. Alongside Price, Phelan took 2/3.
Earlier in the day the Swallows finished at 8/160 through solid knocks from Daniel Frasca (25), Jordan Payne (22) and Phelan (21). Brandon Dixo took 3/27 and English import Charlie Walker 2/34.
Price praised the batting line-up for their initial performance in the absence of coaches Bryson Lush and Nick Giofre, and skipper Mark Thomson.
“The boys did well with the bat, it was good to get through the 40 overs especially with us missing three of our better batters,” he said.
Price said the night game at the Aero Oval complex created a great atmosphere for cricket.
“Playing under the lights was great, you couldn’t really fault it,” he said.
“Maybe the only thing was if you were fielding behind the batter there was a bit of glare, but it’s only a minor thing.
“It was a nice crowd to have … there was just a great atmosphere. There was plenty of noise from their supporters whenever they hit a boundary.”
