Footscray pair Dylan Brasher and Mitch Jamieson pile on the runs against Essendon
Sheffield Shield hopeful Dylan Brasher posted a massive ton, while rising Footscray teammate Mitch Jamieson scored his maiden Premier century on Saturday.
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Saturday was a momentous day for Footscray.
Young gun Mitch Jamieson scored his maiden Premier Cricket century, while Sheffield Shield hopeful Dylan Brasher sent selectors a timely reminder with a massive ton.
Brasher plundered an unbeaten 158, while Jamieson finished 101 not out on day one of the clash against Essendon at Merv Hughes Oval.
The pair combined for a 201-run second-wicket stand as the Bulldogs reached stumps with an imposing 1-325.
With the next Shield game starting on Friday against South Australia in Adelaide, Brasher was all class in his 247-ball knock.
After missing out in the first two rounds, it was a timely return to form for the promising opener.
Footscray coach Dale McDonald hoped it was rewarded.
“It would be nice for Dylan to at least be considered in the squad,” McDonald said.
“In saying that, Victoria have started the season really well and to knock NSW over like they did at the MCG shows the squad is pretty good.
“If he’s not he’ll continue what he’s doing really well, training hard and putting numbers on the board.”
Brasher had shown glimpses in two Second XI matches, scoring 100 runs in four knocks at an average of 25.
Meanwhile, Jamieson brought up triple figures just before stumps was called, taking 178 balls and hitting 11 boundaries.
After injuries restricted him to a handful of games last season, the former Vic Metro Under-19 representative, it was a significant achievement.
“It was his third hit, he missed out against Fitzroy and Camberwell, so for him to come in and show his class was outstanding,” McDonald said.
“Like Dylan he works really hard on his game, all facets of his game, so it was good to see some reward for effort for a young fella.”
Earlier, freshly minted Vic Metro Under-19 opener Aiman Nadeem scored a half-century, 59 off 119 balls, in a 124-run opening partnership.
Nadeem, Josh Pace and Bailey Toseland were all named in the Vic Metro squad for the national championships in Adelaide in December.
Jacob Pawlowicz was the lone wicket-taker for Essendon, finishing with 1-95 off 24 overs.
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The Bombers will look to take advantage of the batter friendly Merv Hughes pitch next week.
“To Essendon’s credit, they bowled pretty well early and I wouldn’t say they bowled poorly all day – we just batted quite well,” McDonald said.
“You’d have to say, any team that has 320 on the board they don’t deserve to bat on.
“There’s a fair chance we’ll give them the first opportunity next Saturday but we’ll have to wait and see.”