Staffordshire cricketer hits six sixes in an over in cup quarter-final

Australian O’Connor had the bowlers running for cover as his side overcame Rugeley in the quarter-final of the Staffs Club first team Knockout Cup.

The 23-year-old, who plays Grade A cricket in his homeland for Sydney-based Blacktown, blasted six consecutive balls from Ryan Williams over the boundary at Whittington’s home ground in Vicarage Lane.

In total he plundered 111 from just 43 deliveries – a knock that included seven fours and 11 sixes before he was eventually dismissed in the 11th over.

And the leg-spinning all-rounder admitted he was delighted to produce the magic over, having come close against Pelsall in the previous round of the competition when he smashed 144 off just 62 balls with nine fours and 13 sixes.

“I was quite shocked because it is something I have always wanted to do,” O’Connor said.

“The ground is quite small, it was a good wicket and I felt good as soon as the game got under way. Once I had hit the third straight six I just thought ‘right, I’m going to go for it’.

“Against Pelsall I hit four straight sixes but on the fifth ball I got out.

“Obviously I didn’t want to be out again but I thought I had to go for it.

“It was a great feeling when I connected with that sixth one and it flew over the boundary.

“The bowler from Rugeley was only a young lad. I shook his hand but I gave him a little smirk.

“I said ‘sorry’ but I wasn’t too sorry as it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Whittington beat Rugeley by 130 runs with fellow opener Daniel Wilks also impressing with 94 as they piled up 256-4 from their 20 overs.

O’Connor previously played in England back in 2013 when he turned out for Leicestershire-based side Kegworth. But he admits he is thoroughly enjoying his time in Staffordshire.

“It’s great to come over here and play some cricket,” he added. “The weather has been great recently which has been a pleasant surprise.

“I’m going back to Australia in September but I’m really enjoying playing in this team.”

Despite being on the wrong end of O’Connor’s blitz, Rugeley skipper Scott Gretton admitted even he enjoyed watching the Aussie in action.

“The guy was batting really well,” he said. “It was good to watch to be honest. I know I probably shouldn’t say that being the captain.

“But it was impressive the way he hit the ball. I’ve never seen anyone do it before, the only time I’ve seen anything like it is on a computer game.

“Ryan is only a young lad but you can’t fault the bowler.

“It was entertaining watching him put ball after ball away.”