Matt Doric takes us through his hat-trick in Brunswick’s win over Croydon

Brunswick paceman Matt Doric talks us through his maiden VSDCA hat-trick as Liam Murphy inspires the Wicks’ bounce-back win.

Matt Doric appeals for a wicket. Picture: Stuart Milligan

There was pandemonium at Croydon Park on Saturday.

Wicks paceman Matt Doric was mobbed by his teammates after taking a hat-trick late in the win over Croydon, his first at VSDCA level.

It was the veteran quick’s second career hat-trick having previously achieved the feat for Premier Cricket club Essendon against Ringwood in 2019.

Doric ripped through the Croydon tail, dismissing David Hickey, Jake Simpson and Chris Brown in consecutive deliveries.

“First one was a half decent ball, hit middle stump, the next one was a yorker that hit him on the toe and then the last one was plumb,” Doric said.

“As soon as it hit (Brown) on the pad I was away celebrating. It was pretty exciting.

“It meant we were close to wrapping up the win as well, so it was nice to celebrate.

“I haven’t got many wickets this season so it was nice to get a couple, it’s been pretty challenging.

“The over before I got a wicket on a no ball, so they knew I was pretty frustrated and they got around me, which was nice.”

Simon Hill – bowling in a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, which Doric said made for “interesting viewing” – then picked up the last wicket (Daniel Ivanovic for 50) to wrap up the 59-run win.

Doric finished with figures of 3-25, while Liam Murphy (3-26) and Jack Moss (3-30) also proved dangerous with the ball.

Earlier, Murphy and Doric starred with the bat to set up the Wicks’ win.

The Brunswick captain scored 61, his second half century of the campaign, combining with Simon Hill (30) for a 74-run third-wicket partnership.

Doric then added an unbeaten 47 to guide the visitors to 7-192.

“Murph makes it look really easy at times, he hits the ball so hard and so far, a couple of balls he hit you just think ‘I wish I could do that’,” Doric said.

Brunswick wicketkeeper Karl Mayne and Simon Hill. Picture: George Sal

“He got a couple of wickets last week too, a couple of lucky ones in there, but he bowled really well.”

Murphy averages 51 in five digs this season and remains a critical part of Brunswick’s finals hopes.

Doric has found some form with the bat this season and returned serve to former Essendon teammate Aaron Shellie after a cheeky sledge earlier in the season.

“It’s been nice to bat in the middle order and make some runs, I’ve really enjoying it, if I’m not getting any wickets it’s nice to contribute with the bat,” he said.

“That was an interesting comment from Shell given he opens the bowling and bowls pies.”

The win lifts Brunswick to 11th and back into finals contention.

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The team struggled for consistency before Christmas with players in and out but Doric believes the Wicks are ready to launch in the second half of the season.

“It’s been a mixed bag so far this season so it was a massive win to build some momentum,” he said.

“We’ve had guys in and out with COVID and hopefully we can now get some continuity in the team and string together a few wins.”

The club faces third-placed Plenty Valley at Gillon Oval on Saturday.