Aaron Ayre reaches history-making 1000-run mark as Essendon claim semi-final win over Monash Tigers
A history-making 94 from Essendon’s star opening batsman Aaron Ayre has guided the Bombers into a Premier cricket preliminary final against arch-rivals Carlton.
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A history-making 94 from Aaron Ayre has guided Essendon into a Premier cricket preliminary final.
Ayre became the first Bombers batsman in history to score 1000 runs in a Premier season after breaking his own club record earlier in the campaign.
A 167-run opening partnership with James Seymour (93) set up the eight-wicket win over Monash Tigers as Essendon bounced back from a disappointing qualifying final loss to Geelong.
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Ayre has 1043 runs for the season while Seymour also has the milestone in his sights after taking his season tally to 920.
“It’s always good to get some personal accolades but it’s equally good to play in a team of good blokes,” Ayre said.
“We’ve jelled really well this season and it makes it easy turning up in what can be a long cricket season.
“I moved up to opening this year and (James and I) complement each other.
“I take my time getting started and Jim has a good plan that if it’s in his area he’ll hit it pretty hard.”
Monash declared after stumps on Saturday on 8-251, with Marcus Berryman (59 not out) and Daniel Sartori (55) leading the way.
Liam Bowe was the main threat for Essendon, taking 4-77.
Ayre said his team had been determined to make up for its loss to Geelong and maintained confidence in its ability to chase down big totals.
“(It was) pretty sombre but we knew when we play our best cricket, we enjoy it, and we feel like we can beat anyone,” he said.
“We knew if we could play our brand of cricket — which has held up pretty well throughout the season — we’d be able to take care of this week and the weeks coming as well.
“When you’ve got a batting group like we have, we play an attacking brand of cricket, so when the runs are there to be chased we feel pretty confident.”
The Bombers will face Carlton in the preliminary final and will be looking to reverse the seven-wicket loss it suffered when the pair met in a one-day fixture in October.
“They’re a pretty good team and finished top for a reason but we were hot on their heels for a reason,” Ayre said.