Ulladulla’s junior cricket has seen some memorable achievements with Anthony Painters’ 9/12 with the ball and even Scott Bowman’s 200.

But under 16s captain Gilkes on Saturday had a day to remember with a hat-trick and 100 runs to his name while playing against Bay and Basin at Lighthouse Oval.

Gilkes headlined the under 16 Ulladulla bowling attack to take a hat-trick in his third over.

He actually took a double hat-trick, clean bowling the fourth wicket on the very next ball, only to find he had overstepped the line for a no ball.

He then bowled the batsman off the last ball of the over to finish with 4/8 off three overs.

But Gilkes’ day was far from over.

Ulladulla dismissed Bay and Basin for 37 runs, and then went out to bat to chase down the total and try to get a nice lead to take overall points.

With the loss of Ulladulla’s first wicket at 1/2, Gilkes came out to bat and stood his ground for a magical unbeaten century.

Gilkes hit 10 fours and two sixes to retire at 100 not out.

Ulladulla were 3/167 at stumps, and are in a great spot for next week.

Gilkes’ impressive efforts with the bat and ball could not have come at a better time, as the young player prepares to play for new NSW Country/ACT side at this year’s National Under 17 Championships.

Gilkes will depart for Hobart on December 1 where every state and territory in Australia will fight for glory in the 10-day tournament.

To make it to nationals, Gilkes had to first impress the Southern selectors, which earned him an invite at the Southern/ ACT trials in Canberra.

After progressing one weekend through a net session, he was invited to a final 16 trial, where Gilkes made a 50 off 50 balls to make the side to contest at Raymond Terrace.

Here he was selected as opener, and scores of 15, 34 and an 86 in a 158-run stand in the final game saw Southern/ ACT finish unbeaten at the championships with Gilkes finishing third highest scorer across the state. 

Gilkes was then selected to trial against 24 Metropolitan players and 24 Country /ACT players at the historic Bradman Oval for a place in the two 13-man NSW metro and NSW Country/ACT sides.

He scored 77 on day one , then was retired at 54 to earn his place in Hobart.

The Times will be sure to catch up with Matt when he returns.