Although his side went down, the young quick proved he belongs in Sydney Grade Cricket, taking three wickets which included some prized scalps.

The youngster was understandably pleased with his start to the season.

“It wasn’t a bad start, I was on a hat-trick in my first over,” Hammond said.

“The captain of our side said he wanted to bowl me as a strike bowler first change as a bit of a surprise because they won’t expect the pace, a bit like Australia does with Mitchell Johnson.”

Hammond’s first ball for a bit of a loosener, but it didn’t take the Mudgee quick long to take his first scalp.

His second ball was right on the money, the pace of the delivery surprising the Parramatta opener Matthew Giumelli, the cherry crashing into the stumps for Hammond’s first.

The very next ball, Hammond removed Matthew’s brother Paul Giumelli LBW, leaving Parramatta in serious trouble and the Mudgee youngster on a hat-trick.

“The first one I got him by surprise,” he said.

“I was looking at him and he was looking at me and then back at the pitch as if to say ‘jeez I didn’t expect that’.

“The LBW was just the same ball again, it jarred back really quickly and was going to take middle stump as well.”

Despite the side’s loss, Hammond said he took plenty of confidence out of his performance, not only because of the wickets he took, but the trust shown in him by his captain.

“He pulled me aside and said he was really happy with my bowling,” he said.

“He said on the day I could have  a wicket with any of my balls.

“I went for a few boundaries but he just told me not to be too hard on myself because they got a lot of luck.

“Because the ball was coming on quick they were slashing at it and I went for a few boundaries through slips, but he said that’s to be expect when you’re bowling at pace.”

Despite his excellent showing in the season’s opener, Hammond said he had plenty of nerves leading into the match, but now he can’t wait to get the red ball back in his hands once again.

“I was pretty nervous early but getting those two wickets settled be down quickly,” he said.

“I felt like one of the players and I fitted in really well.

“I’m looking forward to next week and trying to play a similar role and keeping my pace up.

“The nerves probably won’t be there next week and I can settle into my rhythm a bit better.”

There’s certainly a reason Hammond felt a part of the team, that’s because Western Suburbs are glad to have him.

Coach Keegan Luiters expressed his delight with the commitment he has shown to his new team.

“Guy has been a great addition to the club and we hope that we can help him achieve his potential through cricket,” he said.

“His family are a great support to him as well - they have driven from Mudgee regularly throughout pre-season and shown a great commitment to support Guy. 

“He’s a great kid, I’m sure he has a few good performances ahead of him as well.”