Reece McDonald takes career-best figures for Broadbeach Robina against Surfers Paradise

REECE McDonald joined an exclusive group – and was heading for an even more exclusive one until his teammates “put the mockers” on him.

Broadbeach Robina swing bowler Reece McDonald took 8-41 on Saturday. Picture: Scott Fletcher

REECE McDonald joined an exclusive group – and was heading for an even more exclusive one until his teammates “put the mockers” on him.

The 32-year-old all-rounder had a day out on Saturday, almost single-handedly dismantling Surfers Paradise for 79 in a 19-over spell of 8-41.

In doing so, he became only the sixth player in the last decade to take a first grade eight-wicket haul, following James Harvey (twice), Chris Swan, Chris Spies, Jason Simmons and Jason Van Vliet.

Making the most of bowler friendly conditions, McDonald ripped through the Demons’ top order and by the fall of the eighth wicket, had all eight.

“When I got the eighth wicket, the boys came in and said you’re paying 50-1 to get all 10 wickets here. Then the next over we actually got a run out so they put the mockers on me,” the swing king laughed.

Zach Hayes then trapped Curtis Young lbw for 10, denying McDonald the chance to become the competition’s first bowler in more than a decade to take nine.

The unbeaten Cats (5-80) wrapped up first innings points before making an aggressive declaration to have another crack at their rivals late in the day. The Demons survived the five-over burst to be 0-4.

McDonald said his career-best performance had only sunk in after the day’s play and credited new ball partner Joel Kennan (0-21 off 14 overs) for his significant part in the demolition.

“We spoke about that after the game as well, that that is what helped me getting all the wickets, was him keeping it so tight from the other end,” McDonald said.

Around the grounds, Mudgeeraba Nerang (2-114) have also already claimed first innings points against Alberton (100).

Palm Beach Currumbin’s tail wagged to push their score up to 136 against Queens (1-38). Southport Labrador teenager Jason Choromanski starred with 4-9 off seven overs to restrict Burleigh to 175. The Tigers are 2-68 in reply.

Brad Ipson hit 95 for Coomera Hope Island (7-300) against Helensvale Pacific Pines (2-40) while Runaway Bay are in control, having Loganholme 2-27 after declaring at 5-250.