PORT Panthers Pirates president Daniel Duckworth had the ball on a string on Saturday, taking a hat-trick in the first round of the season at Tuffins Lane.
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Duckworth had the stumps flying everywhere on his way to a great spell of 4-7 from four overs with the new cherry.
It was just a shame the Pirates Buccaneer had to do it against his clubmates from the Mutineers.
"I would rather do it against an opposition club," he said.
"But a hat-trick's a hat-trick."
Duckworth removed Phil Baker, Casey Luke and captain Ross Field in the three balls.
A couple of the wickets were real beauties: Outswingers which jagged back and took off stump.
It was across two overs, so no-one realised it was three balls in a row.
When it was pointed out, Duckworth was thrilled, and he had plenty of help from a great new ball.
"It was moving so much," Duckworth said.
"Bruce [teammate Bruce Jackson] kept saying 'just throw it up there'."
He was particularly pleased to take Field's wicket.
"Captain to captain," Duckworth said.
His feats helped the Mutts roll the Buccs for just 101 in 32.4 overs.
Michael Connolly's 32 not out was the only real resistance.
In reply, the Buccs passed the total with seven wickets left in the shed.
Jackson belted 10 fours and a six on his way to 70, carrying his bat.
Tuffins Lane is a lucky venue for Duckworth. It was also the scene the last time he achieved a hat-trick "about six years ago".
The Buccaneers are back there next weekend playing against Wauchope RSL Blue.
Another hat-trick is almost impossible. Duckworth will just be happy to get his team over the line.
"It's a good start," he said.
Pirates bowlers found success elsewhere on Saturday. Adam Carroll snared 5-17 from eight overs at Woods Street against Macquarie Hotel.
Pirates batted first and made 126, and rolled Macquarie for 91 in 35.1 overs.
Earlier, the Macquarie bowlers shared the wickets, with two each going to Dinindu Kolongahapitiya, Nick Boswell, Sam Dwyer, and Zac Bruen-Ansell.
Rashid Hussain and Simon Knudsen also took wickets.