MPCA: Cooper Remy, Tom Corrie and Ashen Hettinayaka score centuries as Pines U16s go big

A tense countdown was going on, with regular glimpses at a phone, as the Pines U16s plundered 7-447 off 45 overs — and three best mates made it an unforgettable day.

Ashen Hettinayaka, Cooper Remy and Tom Corrie all made centuries in Pines' U16s on Friday night. Picture: Janelle Wilson

It was a day when everything hit the middle of the bat.

Pines’ under-16s plundered 7-447 off 45 overs against Old Peninsula in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association on Friday evening — and behind the scenes a tense countdown was going on, with regular glimpses at a phone.

In a flurry of boundaries and sixes, best mates Cooper Remy (101), Tom Corrie (100) and Ashen Hettinayaka (100) scored unbeaten centuries.

But there was a game within a game as Remy charged to his fourth century of the summer, Pines U16s coach Rhys Chalkley revealing the 15-year-old was trying to beat Mitch Owen’s 39-ball ton for the Hobart Hurricanes.

“I’m looking at the live stream on my phone because I’m out there umpiring,’’ Chalkley said.

“Me and Cooper were trying to get him to a 39-ball hundred like Owen did in the BBL. We were literally following it ball by ball.’’

Remy very nearly bettered Owen’s mark, but had to settle for a 39-ball ton, equaling Owen.

“He said I cost him because I didn’t call a wide,’’ Chalkley joked.

Ashen Hettinayaka, Cooper Remy and Tom Corrie all made centuries in Pines' U16s on Friday night. Picture: Janelle Wilson

Remy, who plays senior cricket in Frankston Peninsula’s thirds, smacked 11 fours and 9 sixes, enhancing his reputation as a rising star.

“He plays every shot...and he’s just a beautiful correct bat, too, he didn’t play across the line or anything, just beautiful,’’ Chalkley said.

Corrie’s ton (his first) came off only 42 balls as he belted 11 fours and 7 sixes, while Hettinayaka, who batted at No. 9, put away 13 fours and 3 sixes as he celebrated his maiden century in only 56 balls.

“It was nuts,’’ Chalkley said of the run blitz.

“I’ve never seen anything like it.

“They’re three very good cricketers.’’

Chalkley said all three century-makers played correctly.

“They didn’t play any bad shots, they just hit through the line of the ball,’’ he said.

“All of them are correct bats.’’

Billy Anstiss (43), Anthony Davis (22) and Riley Wilcox (20no) were also in the runs in the Piners went big.

Chalkley praised the Old Peninsula players for their sportsmanship as they applauded each milestone.

“The Old Peninsula lads were great kids, awesome,’’ he said. “They were really supportive.’’

Pines is experiencing a renaissance in its junior program, with a notable boost in players.

“We had one junior team and now we’ve got five — two under 10s, a 12s, 14s and a 16s which is awesome,’’ Chalkley said.

“Dave Wilcox is a massive part of our juniors growing, he started it off.’’

In a round of sizzling centuries in the under-16s, Carrum Downs captain Eli Halliday made 101 retired not out, Rosebud skipper Tom Crothers hit 100 ret no (11 fours, 1 six) and Boneo’s Aidan Gathercole blasted 101no (11 fours, 7 sixes).

Other run makers: Jackson Alder (Delacombe Park) 67, Alex Davis (Crib Point) 66, Jack Wanklyn (Crib Point) 50, Wilbur Waters (Flinders) 60, Sam Field (Flinders) 51.