A STUNNING hat-trick from Ricky King helped Swanage grab victory from the jaws of defeat against fellow Dorset Premier strugglers Dorchester.

The Swans were in trouble after being dismissed for 175 at the Rec with the hosts racing to 85 for one, but Ian Booth’s men rallied with King’s memorable treble capping a fine fightback.

Booth (48) linked up with Mike Salmon (23) for a half-century partnership but the visitors laboured their way to 95 for five before Lewis Kirby (56*) boosted the Swans’ innings.

Dorchester skipper Dan Belt claimed four for 26 as he led the way with the ball. Peter Moxam (53) and Will Caldwell (17) got Dorch off to a flyer.

However, King saw off Shaun Little (30), who was doing his all to hold Dorchester’s innings together, before the wickets of James Caldwell and Phil Morley fell in quick succession.

King’s impressive efforts earned rich praise from Swans skipper Booth.

The Swanage captain told the Daily Echo: “Ricky is our key seam bowler and it is good for him to finally be in the wickets – it was a superb hat-trick.

“It was only the third I have ever seen in all my years in cricket so it is quite an achievement.

“The first was a great catch from Mike Salmon, the second was caught behind and he got the third in perfect fashion, clean bowled.

“As a team, we have been struggling because we have been bowling too straight for this level and opposing sides have been able to punish us.

“We improved last week against Weymouth and again against Dorchester, so we are adjusting well.”