Ferguson took successive wickets with the last two balls of his opening over in the match at Cundletown. The medium pacer then claimed the hat-trick with the first ball of his second over and then the double hat-trick with his second delivery.

He is the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, claiming a $50 open order at Iguana.

However, Ferguson said he wasn't all that excited by his effort.

"It was scorching hot,'' he said.

"All I really wanted was a drink.''

Ferguson's first victim was trapped in front. He bowled the next two while the third was caught behind by wicket keeper Bevan Coleman.

Old Bar went from 2/28 to 6/28 before eventually scrambling to 91. Ferguson finished with 4/15 from three overs. United had a few stumbles in the run chase and Ferguson came to the crease at 4/55. He slammed a quickfire 14, including three boundaries in a 30 run partnership with Jake Smith to ensure United claimed the points.

Ferguson has played three games in third grade and he's been a lucky charm for the side, as they've won the lot to move to fifth on the ladder on averages, but on the same points as Great Lakes Gold and Old Bar.

He played cricket in the junior grades and a bit of minor grades with Old Bar, but hadn't had a game for about three years until this season.

"Wade Harry talked me into playing,'' he explained.

"I had my first game with him in second grade and the rest in third grade.

"Third grade's good - it's pretty cruisy. They're a good bunch of blokes and we have a few beers together after the game.''

Sam Ferguson in action for Chatham division one hockey side this season. It was on the cricket field he starred for Taree United in the clash against Old Bar/Harrington.

Ferguson has no great desire to move up the grades.

"I'll play second grade if they need me,'' he said.

"But I'm happy in thirds.''

He said cricket 'keeps me busy,' although he hopes there's no repeat of last Saturday's heatwave conditions.

Ferguson had one fan in the crowd when he managed the double hat-trick. His mum, Linda, had never seen him play cricket before, but was in town and decided to call into the match, arriving just before he took his first wicket.

Ferguson is better known in the Manning sporting milieu for his efforts on the hockey field with Chatham's division one side.

He played in six of Chatham's record breaking run of 10 premierships. The run ended this year when Chatham lost to Sharks in the grand final of a season that was shortened due to the pandemic.

Ferguson has also represented Manning Valley at senior and junior level.

However, he doubts he'll play hockey next winter.

"If I move back to Newcastle I'll probably have a game of soccer with my mates,'' he said.