Saunders claimed a hat-trick for Bendigo Cricket Club on the first day of the under-13A clash with White Hills.

He said he had gone close to hat-tricks in the previous two weekends, but finally broke through to achieve the feat.

“The previous two weeks I played, I’ve got two wickets in a row,’’ Saunders said.

“But when I got this one, I felt pretty good after it. It was great.

“The first wicket was caught by Sam Harper, the second one was stumped by our wicketkeeper and the third one was stumped again by our wicketkeeper.’’

Saunders, who recently changed his bowling style to spin, is also a talented batsman, making 57 not out in round two, and 59 not out in round seven of the season.

“I’m probably a better batsman because that’s what I’ve been better at since I started cricket.

“Then when I changed my bowling to spin I started to get some wickets,’’ he said.

Riley’s mother, Gayle Saunders said she and husband Murray were proud of their son’s achievement.

“My husband Murray and I are very, very proud of him. He’s a pretty top notch cricketer and you don’t expect these things to happen, because he’s only 11.

“It’s exciting and I was pleased to be there on the day to see him get his wickets.

“Coaches have said he has great potential to go a long way in his cricket, so he is on the way there.’’

Saunders hopes to play senior cricket with the Bendigo Cricket Club and also aspires to play at state level.

Saunders and his Bendigo teammates will be back on the field for tomorrow’s finish to the clash with White Hills.