A HAT-trick from Jeremy Doherty was not enough to see Mudgee record a miraculous victory in the Platypus Challenge Trophy match against Orange yesterday.

Defending champions Mudgee were down and out after Orange was 0-50 chasing 133 for victory.

But a tremendous fight-back led by Doherty saw Orange lose 8 for 52.

The pint-sized medium-pacer had Matt Findlay (23) caught and the next delivery Doherty dismissed Jono Warren with a ball that jagged back and knocked over the stumps.

His hat-trick ball was identical to the one previous and Orange captain Wes Roweth was the unfortunate victim as he was trapped in front.

But tailender Andrew Rutledge (12 not out) and Nick Wright (25 not out) held their nerve and guided the President’s Cup champions to a two-wicket win in Mudgee, which gives them the Platypus Challenge Trophy.

Earlier it looked like the game was going to be all over by lunch time as Orange had Mudgee at 7-32.

Jackson Coote (2-9), Rutledge (3-29) and Roweth (3-16) were among the wickets as four of Mudgee’s first eight batsmen were back in the pavilion without scoring.

But timely knocks from Mitchell Hearn (20), Daniel Hiep (45) and Nathan King (19) down the order saved Mudgee from utter embarrassment as they reached what proved to be a reachable total of 132.

Mudgee captain Steven Knight said the loss was a disappointing way to end Mudgee’s representative season.

“I thought we had it when Pin (Doherty) took his hatty,” Knight said.

“But full credit to Orange, they played well. Their bowling was on target and they took their chances.”

Roweth praised his side’s bowling and fielding efforts.

“It was a shame some of us threw our wickets away with the bat,” Roweth said.

“But hopefully we can basically keep the same team (for next week against Bathurst).”