Matthew Hawking picked up his maiden Premier Cricket – Marc McGowan
IT TOOK 14 Premier Cricket seasons, but Casey-South Melbourne quick Matthew Hawking has finally done it.
Hawking, 30, will no longer be the butt of jokes after securing his maiden five-wicket haul against Carlton at Princes Park on Saturday.
The veteran left-armer greeted the confirmation of his fifth dismissal – that of Blues’ tailender Andrew Dickinson – with a shriek of delight that could be heard more than 100 metres away.
“It was more relief than anything else to be honest,” he said.
“The boys sort of ran from everywhere – especially the ones that have played with me for a few years.
“They know it’s been a source of a lot of jokes and it very much felt like a team celebration rather than a personal achievement.”
Hawking played his 150th first XI match and captured his 200th first XI scalp this summer.
But his inability to snare a ‘five-for’ in his esteemed career has been a constant discussion point at the club.
Hawking even had a long-standing bet with former teammate Greg Galloway, who was certain he would never achieve the feat.
“I know you’re not supposed to bet on cricket, but I had a bet with a former player, Greg Galloway, which was due to expire at the end of the season,” he said.
“He said I’d never get a ‘five-for’ and I was starting to run out of time. It was only for $100, but there was a lot of ego on the line.
“He’s overseas, but is due back in the country in six weeks. But it’s fair to say I spent his money on Saturday night.”
Hawking has enjoyed bowling alongside the likes of Jayde Herrick and Ash Perera this season, but is desperate for his winless side to salute before the end of the year.
“As good as it was, I’d much prefer to have a win in one of these last two games,” he said.
