Northern Districts' Anthony Armstrong took the first hat-trick of his career in the Northern Rivers Cricket League First Grade match at Nesbitt Park, Goonellabah, yesterday afternoon.

The medium pace bowler asked to bowl with the opponents needing 19 runs in three overs, Armstrong bowled Brad Goodwin for a duck, then had the Magpies' captain Trent George caught by Jason Castle at midwicket for a duck. Captain Gary Rossington did not put the fielders around the bat for the hat-trick ball.

"The field was spread, we were still worried about the bigger picture," said Armstrong.

Magpies' Harrison Thompson had crossed and was on 27, having his a six and two boundaries.

"I was looking to just run the ball across him and stop him from hitting a big shot," said Armstrong, who delivered the perfect outswinger to induce a knick from Thompson which was gleefully snapped up by Graham Leeson at slip.

"I was stoked, and all the boys were pretty pumped too and for it to finish them off and secure the win, just added to the celebrations."

Northern Districts went into the match without three regulars - this season's only player to hit two centuries Ryan Duyker (broken knuckle bone), Jimmy Hort (suspected broken ribs) and Dan Rossington (sick). Gaurav Bulani was promoted from Third Grade, captain Gary Rossington's 14-year-old son Brodey and Josh Slater were brought up from Fourth Grade.

Put into bat Northern Districts were indebted to fine knocks by Kamal Sharma (38 including one six), Rossington (34) and Armstrong (32 which included two sixes). Charlie Weir and Jimmy Clifford also contributed well with 21 runs each as Northern Districts finished the 40 overs 8/177. Magpies' Ben MacDonald took 4/50.

"We were pretty confident with 177, the outfield was very slow so runs were really hard to come by," said Armstrong.

"it was very hot and humid, everyone came off pretty tired after batting."

Northern Districts' fast bowler Kade Rankin removed both Magpies openers cheaply, leaving the Magpies 2/17. Ben MacDonald, who had a fine match, brought the Magpies back into the game with the highest score of the game, 49.

Bulani, who last played First Grade last October, took two wickets for 23 runs off seven overs before Armstrong's deadly hat-trick and run-out ensured victory for Northern Districts.

Fourteen-year-old son Brodey Rossington took the vital wicket of Connor Turner, who looked threatening on 25. Slater bowled four overs for four runs which was vital in the context of the run chase.

"It is about time we get back to winning ways," said Armstrong, whose side have now won successive matches, after three defeats on the trot.

Northern Rivers Cricket League First Round 16 Results

Northern Districts beat Cecil Magpies by 19 runs, Nesbitt Park, Goonellabah;

Marist Brothers defeated Lismore Workers by 36 runs, Nielson Park, East Lismore;

Goonellabah Workers Sports defeated Casino RSM Redbacks by 132 runs, John McDonald Oval, Casino.