IRYMPLE fast bowler Joel Minter marked his return to his junior club after five years away with a hat-trick.
Minter closed out his team’s win over Gol Gol in style in what was his first division debut for the Swallows.
It took just 1.4 overs for the right-arm bowler to assert himself on the game, finishing with 3/11.
“Got the ball pretty late in the day, just before tea, my first ball wasn’t too good, but the next three were a bit better,” he said. “A bit of luck going my way, one LBW which I was fortunate enough to get.
“The boys got around me pretty hard, it was a nice moment.”
After five years playing with Mildura West, Minter made his return to Henshilwood Oval this season.
“This was my home club originally and I wanted the opportunity to play with my brother (Wade),” he said.
“My work mates drew me out to West, but a lot of those guys have stopped or left, but after five years I wanted a change so I came back to Irymple.
“Just moving to the club, trying to cement my spot in the first division now.”
Earlier in the day, opening bowler Billy Phelan continued his strong start to the season, after he claimed the wickets of the opening three batsman, including Hancock, who he bowled out for a golden duck. It was the first time Hancock had been dismissed for the season.
Gol Gol were bowled out for 117 chasing 242.
Irymple have started strongly this season and are currently third on the ladder with a record of 2-1.
“We are a pretty strong team, just the one loss to Mildura East so far,” Minter said. “Being runners-up last year, we haven’t lost too many players.”
The Swallows head out to Nichols Point this weekend to face the ladder leaders, the only remaining undefeated team this season.
In other games, Gol Gol host Mildura East, Coomealla Wentworth are at home to Mildura West and Mildura Settlers and Merbein collide.
