After a massive wicket-taking haul at the weekend, Mark Walsh espoused the old cliche that having fun was more important than the result.
The Bligh Park player scuppered Freemans Reach at the weekend in Hawkesbury District Cricket Association’s second grade match.
Walsh finished the innings with eight wickets, six runs conceded and four maidens off 9.5 overs, which included four wickets in five balls.
Walsh, 20, said he was stoked to have taken the wickets, but wanted to make clear that having fun was his primary concern, not milestones.
“I was on a hat-trick twice but I didn't get any of them,” he said.
“For me, playing park cricket it is more about having fun with the boys.”
While he played down his innings, Walsh said there was no doubt that every one on the Bligh Park team enjoyed themselves at the weekend.
“My captain just told me to enjoy it, it might never happen again so just enjoy it,” he said.
“The boys were just saying it was one of the funnest days they've been a part of.
“It was just great to share it with them all, the next day we were all talking about how much fun we had.”
Walsh said there were a few words exchanged between the two teams toward the end of the innings, but said it was all in good spirit.
“It was just fun. We're not taking it too seriously, we're just out there living the dream and playing cricket,” he said.
“There was a bit of banter at the end there but the other team was really good.
“It was all in good spirit. It isn't as if we are playing for Australia or anything like that.”
Walsh, from South Penrith, said he played junior cricket at Penrith before coming to play for Bligh Park with his mates.
Freemans Reach was bowled out for 33 runs, with 13 the top score.
Walsh took eight wicket, and Sean Shannon claimed the other two.
During the innings, Walsh took four wickets with five balls but both times failed to deliver with the hat-trick ball.
“It was just one of those days where everything works out and goes well. Cricket is a funny game,” he said.
