REECE TOPLEY admits it was a day to savour after he claimed career-best bowling figures on the first day of Essex's LV> Championship clash with Worcestershire.
The teenager finished with 6-29 as the visitors – who won the toss – were skittled for 102 at Chelmsford.
Topley also took a fine catch to dismiss Moeen Ali, and then was able to put his feet up as Greg Smith (94) and Jaik Mickleburgh (65) helped their side to a 97-run lead at the end of the first day.
But the star was left-armer Topley, who took five wickets in the afternoon session as Worcestershire capitulated.
"It went well," he said. .
"It hasn't quite sunk in yet but when I wake up in the morning I'll be able to say that I've really helped the team get into a good position.
"I had a swinging ball, which as a swing bowler is essential.
"But the whole unit had a great day, it was my day with the wickets but if you look at the game at Bristol last week it was Napes [Graham Napier] who took four wickets and it was his day to take them. It's a good performance from the whole unit, it was just my day."
Topley has enjoyed a fine campaign in all formats. He was the Eagles' leading wicket-taker in the Friends Life t20, and also found some form in the YB40, where his side just missed out on a semi-final spot.
And he admits it has been a great season for him.
"Hopefully, my form can continue," he added. "It's just natural that it won't so I think you've just got to enjoy days like this.
"I'm only 19 and I've played every game this year, apart from three or four, so that's quite a big ask on my body physically but there's nothing else I'd rather be doing to be honest than turning out and playing county cricket for Essex.
"I'm really lucky to be doing it and hopefully I can keep taking these chances so that I get more opportunities.
"I just want to keep going. We're in the home straight, I haven't got much more to do and I think as a team we've just got to leave nothing in the tank."
Topley played a part in the second wicket of the day as well, clinging on to dismiss the dangerous Ali.