Sam Worden takes five wickets in Warrnambool and District Cricket Association's top grade

Sam Worden, 21, celebrated a career-best 5-23 as the Dogs accounted for Merrivale and improved their Warrnambool and District Cricket Association win-loss record to 3-1.

The long-time clubman - he joined when he was nine - said Dennington's one-day form spike could be traced back to its surprise twenty20 title last season.

"I think that gave us a lot of confidence moving into this season," Worden said.

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"For a lot of lads it was their first premiership and the first success Dennington has had for probably a good 10 years.

"I think last year in the twenty20s we had quite a few doubters because we'd only won one game outside of the twenty20s but we knocked off the two best sides in the process of winning the twenty20 competition with a side that had a few players out."

Worden, who goes to university in Ballarat, is sharing the Dogs' rise with younger brother Lachie, 17.

"From a team perspective it's nice we're winning a few games. We've got a pretty young side and we're 3-1 now," he said.

"We've probably got the most depth we've had for a long time, so I think there is pressure on for spots.

"I think that's a massive thing, especially for local cricket. We have blokes that are coming to training and really putting in the work because they know they have to to get a game.

"We want to put in a complete performance this year and be right up the top of the ladder."

Personal achievements are secondary for the team-focused Worden.

But he was thrilled to take five wickets against the Tigers after starting the season with three scalps in the three games.

"I probably had a little bit of fortune," Worden said.

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"Sometimes you have those day where you don't take any so it was nice to have everything fall my way."

Off the field, Worden, who plays football for Rokewood, is enjoying a well-earned rest after completing the second year of a four-year double-degree.

He is studying para-medicine and nursing at Australian Catholic University in Ballarat and wants to become a paramedic.

"I have always had an interest in helping people and stuff with a bit of excitement in the job and a job that's got a bit of variation," Worden said.

"It's probably a job you can walk away from with a bit of self pride and satisfaction.

"You're making a contribution, that's probably the biggest thing for me. I think it will be pretty rewarding."

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