New grass square at Port Soif is to spinner Anthony's liking

RALPH ANTHONY took a hattrick as St Sampson's squeezed past Randy Paddle Mavericks Two in the first senior match on Port Soif's new grass square. In Sunday's Carey Olsen GCA Weekend League Division One match, Mavericks posted a low total of 39.

Anthony's final three deliveries in his first over, when he bowled Andy Mauger and Heinrich Vorster and then had Daniel Legg caught by Alex Burns, knocked the stuffing out of the Mavs middle order.

'It was three balls in the right direction,' said Anthony.

In response, St Sampson's made a meal of things. It was left to Anthony coming in at eight with the score 34 for six to see his new weekend league team mates home.

Despite only Anthony and fellow St Sampson's all-rounder Jonathon Verdellis reaching double figures with the bat, the veteran left-arm spinner said the new Port Soif track is a good one.

'I was impressed with the wicket.

'There was something in there for everyone. The wicket was a good cricket wicket.

'It was a credit to everyone who has worked on it.'

* Mark Jefferies' superb 82 helped Clubhouse Optimists to a seven-run victory over DHS St Pierre last night.

An onslaught from Justin Meades and Jarrod Avery, who hit seven sixes between them, was not enough for their side.