Keilor Park’s Dean Gila claims a rare double hat-trick before knocking in winning runs
A double hat-trick and the winning runs with the bat. Keilor Park all-rounder Dean Gila said “it was just one of those days” after an extraordinary performance in the Devils’ win over Kingsville.
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Keilor Park’s Dean Gila lived the dream on Saturday.
The all-rounder took a rare double hat-trick and knocked in the winning runs as the Devils scored a convincing eight-wicket win over Kingsville in their VTCA Division 2 one-dayer.
Gila shattered the Kingsville top-order with his extraordinary achievement, seeing the visitors collapse from 0-41 to 4-41 in the space of four balls.
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First, Chirantha De Silva was removed LBW before Anudeep Pallipamu was caught in the gully by Keilor Park captain Anthony Tedesco.
Gila completed his hat-trick by bowling Senad Levic – copping a friendly fire corkie in the celebrations – and made it four on the trot after trapping Sujith Nikethana plumb in front.
“In all honesty, (the first wicket) was a bit contentious,” Gila revealed.
“It looked a bit high but I went up because we needed a wicket, the finger went up and it was happy days.
“The second – I shouldn’t pump his tires up too much – but the skipper took a blinder in the gully.
“I’m not generally a nervous person, (running in) I was just thinking land it on the pitch, don’t bowl a wide, don’t do something stupid.”
Gila finished with outstanding figures of 5-8 from six overs as Kingsville were dismissed for 116.
The club veteran then stepped up with the bat, knocking in the winning runs as Keilor Park chased down the total down, 2-118 in 30 overs.
Usama Nasar starred in the chase, finishing unbeaten on 58.
“It was one of those days where everything fell into place for me,” he said.
“I managed to get one away as well, which was a great way to finish the day.”
It was a critical win for Keilor Park, its first of the season, after seeing three games washed out in the early rounds.
The Devils were relegated from Division 1 North last season but Gila believes the club is capable of bouncing straight back.
“I don’t want to mention the “F” word but it would be nice if we can push for a top-four spot and have a decent crack at winning a flag,” he said.