ERIC Linge admitted “over excitement” had probably cost him the chance to carve his name in the annals of cricketing history.

Linge went within a whisker of claiming TWO hat-tricks in the same game during Ferndown Wayfarers’ Dorset League clash with Premier Division rivals Winton on Saturday.

The 25-year-old all-rounder took three wickets in as many balls and then almost repeated the feat – only to send down a wide in between taking three more.

Linge, who snared six victims in 10 balls, helped reduce Winton from 109 for one to 110 for seven, his devastating spell seeing him return career-best figures of seven for six.

His treble saw him account for John Duke, Adam Willard and Ally Williams before the wickets of Jordan Clark and Luke Phillips put him on course for a second hat-trick. However, his hopes of fame were scuppered by the wayward delivery before Linge bowled Shahid Alam with his next ball.

“I have taken a few hat-tricks but have never been running in to take a second one in the same game,” said Linge, who works at Pampurred Pets in Verwood.

“I put too much into the delivery and ended up bowling a wide. It was down to over excitement. It was an unreal experience and a once-in-a-lifetime achievement for me.

“I had a bet with one of the other lads that I would take more wickets than him and did it in three balls so he owed me a beer after the game!”

The rare feat of taking two hat-tricks in the same match has only been achieved twice in first-class cricket in the past 100 years and only once in England, in 1907.

Linge finished the game with seven wickets for six runs from his eight overs – his figures including four wides. His previous best had been seven for 19 playing for New Milton three years ago.

Winton, fresh from their play-off victory over Bere Regis and chasing Ferndown Wayfarers’ 241 for eight, had been well set before Linge’s introduction.

Duke (32) and Matt Clarke (35) – Linge’s first victim – both made starts as Winton reached 109 for the loss of only opener George Wright (17).

However, once Linge had struck with the final ball of the second over of his second spell, it was all downhill for Winton as they lost their last nine wickets for just 13 runs, collapsing to 122 all out.

Earlier, Craig McLean (55), James Raftery (45) and Matthew Rose (44) had laid the foundations for Ferndown Wayfarers’ 119-run victory.

  • Parley made an impressive start to the new season after coasting to a comprehensive nine-wicket win over Broadstone at the Delph.

Jamie Hicks (6-11) proved virtually unplayable as Parley dismissed Broadstone for 201, the hosts’ innings rescued by Greg Parsons and Carlyle Collins.

Coming together with Broadstone reeling on 63 for seven, Parsons (25) and Collins (87) put on 101 for the eighth wicket (Dom Clutterbuck 2-26).

Hicks’s haul included two double-wicket maidens, while debutant George Wilson returned a tidy opening spell and Matt Stickland took three catches in the field.

In reply, Parley wasted no time in reaching their target with an opening partnership of 200 between Mark Morley and Sam Collins.

Morley (116) remained undefeated at the close, his quickfire knock coming off just 75 balls, while Collins (67) succumbed with Parley two short of their target.

  • Swanage were unable to celebrate in style as Stalbridge spoiled the party on the club’s debut top-flight appearance.

The hosts had been hoping to mark their maiden Premier Division fixture with a victory at Day’s Park.

But visitors Stalbridge had other ideas as they claimed a four-wicket win in a match contested in soaring temperatures and on a hard pitch.

Opting to bat after winning the toss, Swans made a solid enough start before losing three quick wickets.

Their innings was rescued by a half-century partnership between Lewis Kirby (37) and Ricky King, before King was joined by Dorset under-16s star Jem Warner (29) for a superb 77-run stand.

King remained undefeated on 59 – a fine knock which included eight boundaries – as Swans closed on 199 for five in 50 overs.

In reply, Stalbridge appeared to be cruising to victory as they reached 83 for one off just 13 overs.

However, Swans’ change bowlers Ryan Norman and Warner halted the flow of runs with two wickets apiece.

Despite this, the visitors showed their strength in depth and eventually got home with four wickets to spare.

  • In Saturday’s other game, Poole Town (253) beat Weymouth (101) by 152 runs. Wimborne & Colehill’s trip to Dorchester was scratched as the hosts were “unable to supply a grass wicket”, according to the league’s website.