Sydney-bound Griffin Lea has joined an exclusive Newcastle District Cricket Association club as the in-form paceman prepares for this month's finals series with Toronto.
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The 19-year-old Kookaburras spearhead, who will look to sign for Manly in 2019-20, has claimed his second eight-wicket haul of the season.
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"Going into the season I hadn't even take a first-grade five-for," Lea said. "It has all just fallen into place."
The rare feat has been achieved at least twice before in first grade.
Waratah-Mayfield's Reg Woolston took 9-64 and 8-22 across two games, the latter being a decider, in 1927-28.
Belmont's Chris Williams clinched 8-43 and 8-29 in different fixtures, the latter being a semi-final that featured match figures of 15-60, in 1985-86.
"My game has really been a work in progress over the last four years," Lea, who missed the first half of last season with a back injury, said.
"But I'm fully fit and starting to feel really confident."
Second-placed Toronto, who are 3-20 after dismissing City for 94 on day one of the last round encounter, are set for a third semi appearance in four campaigns.
"Our effort and consistency have been good," he said.
Lea said he was "definitely" hoping to join former Toronto teammate Andrew Sommerville at Sydney club Manly next summer.
