CAMDEN junior cricketer Connor Sykes-Morrison has recorded remarkable statistics during a sensational bowling spell against opponents Cobbitty Narellan.
Although he is only 13 years old, Connor played for Camden's U16-2 team and took 12 wickets, including one hat-trick, for only 11 runs in the match's two innings.
Connor took 6-0 in the first innings and 6-11 in the second innings at Cuthill Oval, Cobbitty.
He was going for a hat-trick on three separate occasions.
For his 12 wickets, five were bowled out, three were LBW, three caught by the wicketkeeper and the final wicket was caught at first slip.
Connor, a fast bowler, shared his secret of success.
``I just changed my run-up I started a little further back,'' he said.
``I just try to put the ball on the stumps when I'm bowling to some of the bigger hitters.
``My teammates were very excited and happy that I got my hat-trick.
``Playing in the 16s is a lot more challenging, plus you face a lot quicker bowling.''
Although it's been Connor's arm doing the damage against opposing bowlers, he was reluctant to take all the credit.
``The way I look at it is that it's not just my wicket it's the whole team's wicket because I couldn't do it without them,'' he said.
``The coach has been very fair with me and he's been caring.''
Camden U16-2 coach Greg Penman was stunned by Connor's bowling spell.
``I've been coaching for about eight years and Connor's bowling was the most remarkable performance I've seen it was extraordinary, especially when he's bowling out boys three years older than him,'' Penman said.
``It was a fantastic achievement. ``He's a very talented young cricketer with both bat and ball.
``He carries himself well and is a good sport he's not big-headed.''
Connor said his goal was to play for NSW and ``if I'm good enough, to play for Australia''. The Australian selectors would do well to take note of Connor's skills to see if he can continue his impressive performances into adulthood.