Tooradin’s Brad Butler shook up Booring Reserve on Saturday as the blistering pace bowler snagged a hat-trick in the Seagulls’ rolling of Devon Meadows.
Butler, who bowls absolute thunderbolts, started his charge by knocking over and bagging the important wicket of in-form youngster Ethan Wood.
He then delivered a beauty to Zach Bates, striking him on the pads and trapping him in front after an appeal that was met with the finger being raised.
Finally, he got right through Nathan Worsteling and sent the bails flying, launching the Tooradin outfit into jubilation and celebration.
The wicket of Worsteling was a big one as the handy top order bat was coming off a performance of 91 not out last round against Clyde.
The achievement was key in derailing the Panthers’ innings, leaving them stranded at just 3/4 in their chase of 264.
Butler certainly wasn’t finished for the day, claiming another two scalps to conclude his day out with a five-fa, including getting the prized wicket of Lucas Ligt.
His final figures read 5/41 from 13.5 overs, his first five-wicket haul since the 2024 Casey Cardinia Premier Division Grand Final.
The performance boosted the Seagulls to a massive 156-run triumph, keeping them firmly on top of the Premier table, four points clear of second-placed Cardinia.
Tooradin looks to remain on top as the club has one more two-day game for 2025 beginning this week as the Seagulls head home to host Upper Beaconsfield.
Following that, they will travel to face Kooweerup in a one-day game before the end of year break.
