MELBOURNE, Oct 31 AAP - Victorian paceman Shane Harwood became the third Australian cricketer to take a hat-trick in his first-class debut here today.

Harwood was also the first Victorian to achieve the feat as he wrecked the Tasmanian middle order after tea on the second day of the Pura Cup match at the MCG.

The Tigers were 3-108 when Harwood bowled Shane Watson for four and trapped fellow debutant Graeme Cunningham lbw to finish his 11th over.

The right-arm quick then bowled Sean Clingeleffer with the first ball of his next over.

Harwood finished the day with figures of 4-49, having also bowled opener Michael Di Venuto for three.

Tasmania was reeling tonight at 7-146 in reply to Victoria's first innings of nine declared for 353.

Michael Dighton was the best Tasmanian batsman with 46, while Damien Wright (14) and Shannon Tubb (7) were the not-out batsmen.

Jason Arnberger top-scored for Victoria with an unbeaten 172.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.