Aiden Salvado scores maiden Premier Cricket century, in record stand with Farzan Chowna

He was the Subbies Rising Star last season and now Aiden Salvado is making a big splash in Premier Cricket, while Farzan Chowna continued his hot form.

He scored a mountain of runs last season and was named the VSDCA Rising Star.

Now Aiden Salvado is making a splash in Premier Cricket, scoring his maiden century in just his fourth appearance for Essendon on Saturday.

The young opener hit an impressive 112 from 254 balls, taking his season tally to 209 and average to 52, against Melbourne University at University Oval.

Fellow young gun Farzan Chowna scored his second ton of the season, 111 from 240 balls, in a record second-wicket stand.

Bombers skipper James Seymour was out fourth ball of the day, bringing Salvado and Chowna together for a 223-run partnership – just 23 runs shy of an all-time club record.

1st XI. A couple of happy young Bombers! Aiden Salvado (112) & Farzan Chowna (111), celebrate their 223, second wicket partnership against Melbourne University CC today. ⁦@vicpremcricket⁩ pic.twitter.com/pI5Nb2aVj7

— Essendon CC (@EssendonCC) November 11, 2023

Chris Williams (30 not out) and Liam Molloy (12 not out) took Essendon to 3-268 at stumps of the two-day game.

Coach Ben Fletcher said Salvado had achieved something extraordinary.

“It was so pleasing to see two young guys putting on a big partnership, especially after losing Jimmy,” Fletcher said.

“Aiden making a century in his fourth game is an incredible effort and not just making a century but making it under pressure.

“Uni absolutely brought the heat early, they bowled tight lines and fielded well other than a dropped catch, so we were only 45 at the first break, going at 1.7 an over.

“It’s really pleasing to see a young guy to show that maturity and be unfazed as well.

“It’s pretty rare for someone to come from Subbies, never played the level and make a century opening the batting in the Ones against a good attack and on a pitch that was doing a bit.”

For Chowna, it’s his second ton of the campaign after reaching triple figures for the first time against Melbourne in Round 2.

Liam Molloy will chase quick runs for Essendon next week. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The 19-year-old now has 287 runs at an elite average of 95.

“He’s a serious player, he deserves everything he gets,” Fletcher said.

“I’ve said it before but the way he goes about his cricket, there’s absolutely no surprise he’s backed it up.

“He learns about the opposition, he’s very committed, he’s a very exciting player.

“I feel he’s got more gears in him, so he’s not even the finished product, and to make two centuries batting at No.3 is a great effort.”

The pair came close to toppling a 76-year-old record.

Essendon’s second-wicket record of 243 runs is held by G.R. Thoms (104) and K.T. Rawle (152) against St Kilda in 1947-48.

While pleased with the dedication of his two young players, Fletcher said the total was a bit short of a declaration.

He forecast chasing some quick runs early on day two to try and reach the 300-run mark.

“It wasn’t an amazing performance by weight of runs but for the development of our list it was really positive. It was a really pleasing day,” he said.

“I think we’re short 30 runs to be brutally honest.

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“I would have loved 300, I would have loved going through the gears a little more in the back end of the day.

“In saying that when two young guys put on 200 you’re going get bumps but being a good day for the club’s development.

“We’re going to burn a few overs to get there next week, I think 270 is a bit thin, and we’ll look to take time out of the game and put the pressure back on them.”

For Melbourne Uni, Mark Stafford picked up the key wicket of Seymour and finished the day with 1-35, while Doug Warren claimed 1-62.