Mike Creates Belvidere Cup History

Ben Mike has written his name into the Belvidere Cup history books after becoming the first player to score a century and take a five-wicket haul with a hat trick in the same match.

After picking up figures of 5/37 and reaching stumps on 79 not out last week, the 26-year-old completed the feat on Saturday - ending on 101 not out - as Northern Districts defeated Gordon CC by two wickets.

Mike struck 13 fours and four sixes en route to his unbeaten century, made off 119 balls, to help his side to 266/8. It followed an outstanding display with the ball, during which the all-rounder tore through the visiting lower order.

After having Connor Cook caught in the slips and Matt Wright trapped in front for a six-ball duck, Mike wrapped up the innings with a hat-trick. Jack Shelley was caught hooking, ironically by Nick Hook, before Callum Bladen (bowled) and Luke Jacobs (caught) were dismissed for golden ducks to complete the hat-trick.

Mike’s efforts marked the first time in the competition’s history”dating back to 1893-94”that a player achieved the rare all-rounder’s double of a century and a five-wicket haul including a hat-trick in the same match.