Dad Jamie Rice swooped for a hat-trick in a Hunts League fixture last Saturday less than a month after his youngest lad, 10 year-old Kian, achieved the feat while playing for the Hunts Under 10 side. Rice senior removed the final three Ickwell batsman in as many balls as Godmanchester Town 2nds a team he has represented for 30 years claimed a nine-wicket Division Two win. He ripped through the Bedfordshire sides tail as they were skittled for just 79 to follow up an earlier wicket and finish with figures of 4-18. It was the second hat-trick of his career - many years after the first. I cant remember the exact date of my first hat-trick, but it was at least 20 years ago, said Rice senior. I can recall it was against Brampton while playing for our third team on a bit of a dodgy track. The hat-trick on Saturday was also helped by favourable bowling conditions to be honest. Its been a difficult few years for the 2nds so getting the win was the most pleasing thing. The hat-trick was a personal bonus. And, to make the occasion even more sweet, Rices eldest son, Ethan was playing alongside him. The 13 year-old, who captains the county side in his age group, also enjoyed an afternoon to remember when bagging 3-12 to record his best figures so far in senior cricket. Towns fine development of young players was again in evidence the following day during a win for their 3rds in Division Five of the Hunts League. Twelve year-old Ryan Fowler (4-15) and 14 year-old Thalha Rashan (4-27) starred in a 144-run triumph against an Upwood side who were dismissed for just 65. They were chasing the Town teams posting of 209-5 which featured a fine 114 from their slightly older skipper Elliott Baldwin and a smart 58 by Oscar Bryden.
