By Tara Murray
Plenty Valley’s Sean Ayres joined rare company at the weekend when he played his 300th first XI Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association match.
The star all-rounder became just the 14th player in subbies history to reach that milestone.
Ayres’ subbies career has spanned three clubs and more than 20 years, having previously had a stint at Premier club Collingwood.
Speaking before the game, Ayres said the milestone had lured him on to play this season.
“I’m pretty chuffed,” he said.
“It’s been a long time, 21 or 22 years playing subbies. It’s a good milestone, knowing that only 13 other blokes have played it.
“When I played 200 I thought that would be a big enough feat to play 200 games.
“To get to 200 and still feeling OK and then go that extra 100 games, I’m chuffed I got there.”
Ayres started his subbies career with Ivanhoe, before spending time with Malvern and then moving to Bundoora Old Paradians, which is now known as Plenty Valley.
He said he had plenty of good memories from all three clubs and kept in contact with a lot of former teammates.
“I think it’s my 11th season at Plenty Valley and I’ve won two flags,” he said.
“At Malvern, to win a flag and at Ivanhoe to win a flag [is pretty special].
“I’ve made a lot of friends over the time, some great players. I’m proud of the association to go 108-109 years and to still be going strong.”
Ayres said when he came to Plenty Valley 11 years ago, he thought he may have had five or six years left in his subbies career.
While there had a been a few changes at the club during his time, he said they were a passionate group of people, led by president Darren Callahan.
Photo Gallery: Brunswick vs Plenty Valley
He said one of the most pleasing things was that he had earned the right to play 300 games, and was not gifted games.
“I thought I might play for five or six years,” he said of the Bats.
“I started bowling those … stupid slower balls. If I kept bowling pace, I would have retired five years ago.”
“They’ve known that the last couple of years and if I’m not pulling my weight, [I’ve said] you can drop me and I know its time to hang it up.
“I don’t want to be holding any kids out.”
Ayres said one of his biggest things was making sure they were bringing the young guys through and giving them the opportunity.
While his mind is still willing and able, Ayres said his body was starting to pack up and this was likely to be his last season. “I started with 100 in our first round and thought maybe I’ve still got a little bit more left in me.
“I’m pretty sure I’m though. When Justin Jaensch retired I spoke to him and just to say how to you know when to retire.
“I’ve said to myself, that’s what I’ve been starting to think.”
Ayres said he would love to coach at some stage, but was unsure whether it was possible at the moment with work commitments.
Ayres was able to contribute for the Bats as they defeated Brunswick at the weekend.
Returning after missing two games while on holidays, Ayres took 3-11 off 17.2 overs.
The Bats made 202 in reply to Brunswick’s 145. Callum Nankervis made 122, while Ayres contributed eight.
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