A new member has joined the hat-trick club at VTCA club East Coburg

East Coburg has a rich history of hat-tricks and recruit revelation “Sash” Fernandu provided some joy on a tough day for the VTCA Division 5 club.

East Coburg hat-trick bowler Satheesh Sivakumaran Fernandu.

Another chapter was added to East Coburg’s rich history of hat-tricks on Saturday.

Satheesh Sivakumaran Fernandu became the 18th Easts player to achieve the rare feat – and 10th in the past nine years – against VTCA Division 5 rival Melton South.

Fernandu, or “Sash” as he’s known, almost claimed a hat-trick two overs prior before wrapping up the Royals tail in consecutive balls to spark celebrations.

Zenith Wickremanayaka, Mitchell Woodyard and Sachika Udara were the unlucky victims as Fernandu finished with figures of 5-56.

However, it wasn’t all wickets and high-fives for the paceman.

East Coburg hat-trick bowler Satheesh Sivakumaran Fernandu.

It was a tough start to the day as the Royals top order took a liking to him before a pep talk at drinks turned his day around.

“He bowled a horrible opening spell, I think he might have gone for 14 off his first over,” East Coburg president James Koochew said.

“We had a chat to him at the drinks break and he came back, bowled straight, and got the rewards.

“He was actually on a hat-trick earlier as well but couldn’t get the third wicket, which is pretty incredible.”

Unfortunately, for Easts it’s batsmen couldn’t keep the momentum going, collapsing to 5-36 when Fernandu came to the crease.

Batting at No.7, he top-scored with 30 but it wasn’t enough to avoid a 104-run loss.

Amazingly, the last East Coburg First XI hat-trick, taken by Amila Mendis against Moonee Valley in 2016, was also in a loss.

Fernandu arrived at East Coburg after spending last season with Mulgrave in the Eastern Cricket Association.

The Sri Lankan has made an instant impact at the VTCA Division 5 club.

In the opening four matches he’s knocked in 175 runs at an average of 58 – No.1 in the competition – with two half-centuries, and taken 10 wickets at 11.30 – third overall.

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Koochew was looking forward to seeing what he could achieve this season.

“He’s a great young man who came to Australia as a refugee,” he said.

“He’s been an excellent addition, we’re happy to have him, and hopefully he can continue having a great season.”

Easts are currently seventh on the Pollock Shield table, just three points outside the top four, with a clash against 10th-placed Jacana before the Christmas break.