Crook Town CC wicket keeper Allen March could well have written himself into the record books by becoming the first wicket keeper to take a hat-trick.

Allen took off his wicket keeping pads and gloves on Saturday at Esh Winning in the Readers Durham County League division one fixture and took three wickets in three balls in the final over of the Esh Winning innings.

He said: "I hadn't bowled for six years and to be honest my first few overs were poor. However, skipper Neil Davies changed my end and after I was hit for ten runs in the first over at the new end the second over was more exciting.

"My first ball was a dot ball, Neil then took a catch off my second delivery for my first wicket. With my next ball I took a very good caught and bowled even if I have to say it myself, but I have the scars to prove it.

"Neil brought the field in from my hat-trick ball and at first I thought I'd made a mess of it, however, it moved off the seam and hit the top of the off stump."

Allen has been playing cricket for 12 years at Crook and is a treasurer of the club.

Three times his prowess as a wicket keeper has see him a runner-up in the Readers Durham County League first division as the wicket keeper with most dismissals, while he has won the second division wicket keeping award twice.

He is also well known for his cavalier approach to batting, often coming in when the chips are down and hitting his side out of trouble.

"You might say I've become the ultimate all rounder," said Allen.

Crook Town CC chairman, David Greener, said: "I am delighted for Allen. He's a smashing lad and the type of person that every club needs."

Crook Town CC beat Esh Winning CC by six wickets which was only their fourth league win of the season.