Sub-District cricket: Moorabbin’s Luke Ashen blasts spectacular century against Oakleigh

One ball was lost on the golf course as Moorabbin’s Luke Ashen went on a six-hitting spree in Sub-District cricket.

Luke Ashen of Moorabbin after his brilliant century against Oakleigh.

Moorabbin stalwart Alan Marion called it an “amazing innings’’.

Oakleigh captain Brendan McGuinness admitted it had left him speechless.

Moorabbin left-hander Luke Ashen struck his maiden century in the VSDCA on Saturday and he did it in spectacular style against the Oaks at Moorleigh Community Village Reserve.

His 104 came off only 54 balls and he launched 8 sixes and 6 fours.

It fired the Binners to 6-189 in reply to 188 and they grabbed their fifth win on the hop.

Marion could not remember the last time Moorabbin had beaten Oakleigh.

Former baseballer Ashen, 21, hit a six to get off the mark and another six to reach his century.

Marion has been involved in Subbies cricket for 50 years.

“He smashes the ball further than anybody I’ve ever seen,’’ Marion said.

“It was the most amazing innings you’d ever see.

“The most amazing innings is probably the way to put it. Not the best. But the most amazing. Everyone was standing on their feet in amazement. Oakleigh had the field on the boundary and he just kept clearing their head. He put one ball right into the golf course and lost it.

“He’s been threatening to do this. He’s hit a few 40s. I’ve always said if he lasts for 50 balls, he’d make a ton. Well, there you go.’’

Marion added: “What’s more, he’s a super, super bloke. He does things around the place to help the club. We’re so proud of him.’’

Ashen had walked out with the score on 3-17.

McGuinness, a former Moorabbin junior, said it was an “exceptional’’ innings.

“Luke really took the game on and just backed himself,’’ he said.

“I was sort of left a little bit speechless, really. Everything he hit came out of the screws …. he was clearing the pickets by miles and our bowlers had no answers.

“He’s an incredibly clean striker of the ball and yesterday to his credit it looked like something really clicked. He was content to push a one and a two and wasn’t trying to bludgeon every single ball.

“Just a brilliant innings. He won the game off his own bat.’’

Ormond’s Rory Freeman drives against Brighton. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Marion pointed out Moorabbin won one game last season, but was up to six wins in 2021-22.

McGuinness had hit 88 off 109 balls for the Oaks, in the process going past 500 runs for the season.

The loss sent Oakleigh to fourth on the ladder, six points behind Ormond. The clubs will meet in the final round, with a top-three finish and a home final the prize for the winner.

Ryan and Blake Pearson will return to the Oakleigh side, a “huge boost’’, according to McGuinness.

He said his team had been struggling for “continuity’’ in the past month.

“I think it’s been a really tough year for all clubs,’’ he said.

“We’ve found it particularly difficult. Even filling the Fourth XI this week was a real challenge.’’

The Brighton players celebrate an Ormond wicket. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Monders achieved an important win over Brighton at EE Gunn Reserve, running down 163 with four wickets standing.

Adam Bull continued his superb season with a hand of 52 – and he’s averaging 52.3 with 628 runs behind him.

“Every week is pretty much a ‘Bully’ masterclass,’’ Ormond captain Ben Speake said.

“He batted beautifully again. He hits the ball in smart areas and knows when to be aggressive and when to keep the good ones out. He’s going awesome.’’

He said he was pleased his bowlers had restricted Brighton to 163, particularly after a bright start from Brenton Murphy (42) and Johnny Damiano (21).

Fast bowler Rodney Bird (3-33 of 8.2 overs), spinner James Wild (3-28 off nine) and coach Murray Ring (2-13 off seven) dragged the Tonners back.

“We thought 160 would still take a little bit of getting, because the pitch was a little bit tricky,’’ Speake said.

Ormond star Adam Bull on his way to a half-century. Picture: Valeriu Campan

He said left-armer Bird, who recently turned 40, “just keeps on going, bowling as quick as ever’’.

Wild returned from injury last week and had another good match, 25 runs going with his three wickets.

Speake said Ormond had regarded the last two rounds as finals matches as teams hustled for a double chance.