SUFFOLK — In a display of bowling brilliance rarely seen in club cricket, a Suffolk cricketer etched his name into the record books by taking two hat-tricks in consecutive overs during a league match. The extraordinary feat, described by teammates as "once-in-a-lifetime," left opponents stunned and spectators in awe.
A Historic Performance
The match, part of the Suffolk Premier League, saw medium-pacer James "Jimmy" Alderton deliver a spell that will be talked about for years. Playing for Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club against rivals Mildenhall, Alderton first claimed a hat-trick in the 15th over, dismantling the middle order with precision swing bowling. Then, in a scarcely believable twist, he repeated the feat in the very next over, leaving Mildenhall reeling at 45/6.
Alderton, a 28-year-old electrician by profession, later described the moment: "I was flying—everything just clicked. The ball was swinging, the edges carried, and before I knew it, I had six wickets in two overs. It still hasn’t sunk in."
Breaking Down the Hat-Tricks
The first hat-trick came in the 15th over, with Alderton trapping Mildenhall’s No. 4 LBW, before clean-bowling the next two batters with inswinging deliveries. The sequence:
- Ball 1: LBW (plumb in front)
- Ball 2: Bowled (middle stump flattened)
- Ball 3: Bowled (off stump knocked back)
The second hat-trick, in the 16th over, was even more dramatic. Alderton induced edges from three consecutive batters, all pouched safely by the wicketkeeper. Mildenhall’s captain, Tom Rashid, admitted afterward: "We had no answer—Jimmy was unplayable."
The Aftermath
Mildenhall were eventually bowled out for 78, with Alderton finishing with figures of 6/12 from his four overs. Bury St Edmunds chased the target comfortably, but the match will forever be remembered for Alderton’s heroics. Club historian Martin Crowe (no relation to the New Zealand legend) confirmed: "This is the first time in Suffolk league history that a bowler has taken two hat-tricks in a single innings, let alone consecutive overs."
The Science Behind the Spell
Cricket analysts were quick to dissect Alderton’s performance. Former England bowler Derek Pringle noted: "What stood out was his ability to swing the ball both ways without losing accuracy—a rare skill at club level." Alderton credited his success to a recent adjustment in his grip, allowing for sharper movement off the pitch.
Key factors in his dominance:
- Conditions: Overcast skies aided swing
- Rhythm: Found his perfect length early
- Pressure: Built momentum with each wicket
A Humble Hero
Despite the attention, Alderton remained grounded. "It’s just one of those days where everything goes right," he said. "I’ll be back at work on Monday—this doesn’t pay the bills!"
His teammates, however, were less modest. Bury St Edmunds captain Rob Jones declared: "Jimmy’s spell was the best I’ve seen in 20 years of club cricket. He deserves all the plaudits."
Conclusion: A Day to Remember
While professional cricket often dominates headlines, moments like Alderton’s remind us of the magic that exists in the grassroots game. As one spectator put it: "This is why we love club cricket—you never know when history will be made."
With his name now etched in Suffolk cricketing folklore, Alderton’s double hat-trick will be retold for generations—a testament to the unpredictability and joy of the sport.