Sixteen-year-old Caoimhe Bray claimed a hat-trick for the Sydney Sixers in their 24-run WBBL victory over the Sydney Thunder at Drummoyne Oval on Saturday night, though she was initially unaware of her achievement.
Bray, who also serves as a goalkeeper for the Junior Matildas, took her wickets across two overs. The third dismissal came via a spectacular diving catch at point from Erin Burns, and the excitement of the moment meant neither Bray nor her teammates realized she had completed a hat-trick until the ground announcer informed the crowd.
Bray finished with figures of 4-15 from her four overs. Maitlan Brown also impressed with 2-18 on a bowler-friendly night. The Sixers posted 9-142, thanks to Sophie Dunkley's 43 off 35 balls and Mady Villiers' unbeaten 24, while Alyssa Healy made a quick 26 off 15.
In reply, the Thunder's batting lineup faltered, falling to 7-49 before 18-year-old debutant Lucy Finn fought back with an unbeaten 49 off 34 balls, but it was not enough to prevent defeat. The Sixers now await scan results for New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who injured her quad during the warm-up and was ruled out of the match.
In the earlier match at the same venue, the Hobart Hurricanes defeated the Brisbane Heat by 16 runs via the DLS method.
