Cricketers make way to Muckleford

HEATHCOTE’S cricket line-up makes its way to Muckleford on Saturday to play in round nine of the Castlemaine DCA’s A-reserve action.

Clubs mark the halfway mark of the season in which all matches are one-dayers.

The Saints’ latest home game at Pigeon Park in Barrack Reserve against the ladder-leading Taradale was abandoned because of the rain.

A win-loss record of three-three has Heathcote on 42 points and in fifth place on the ladder.

Muckleford is seventh on 24 points.

The Saints’ previous clash with Muckleford in round three ended in a 55-run victory for the visitors on Heathcote’s turf.

After deciding to bat Muckleford was dismissed for 112 in the 38th over.

Leading run-scorers were Ryley Brennan, 30; Neville Cooper, 17; and David Envall, 14.

Top tally for Muckleford was 36 extras as the Saints bowled 31 wides.

Heathcote’s leading wicket-takers were spinner and vice-captain Nick Malavisi, 3-35 off eight overs; captain Rhys Ashen, 2-13 off eight overs; and Elijah Hurley, 2-21 off six overs.

The Saints were 3-42 in the chase and then lost 7-15 to be all out 57 in the 26th over.

Nash Turner tore through Heathcote’s line-up as he took 4-13 off 34 deliveries.

David Envall also bowled brilliantly to claim 3-7 off six overs as Lachlan Green claimed 2-18 off seven overs.

A top knock of 19 by Rhys Ashen was ended when run out by David Envall and Callan Hough.

The only other Saint to reach double figures was opener Daniel Butler on 10.

After a one-three start, Heathcote has had a win, bye and win.

There’s just two rounds to be played until the Christmas-New Year break.

After Saturday’s match, Heathcote steps into the Maiden Gully Lions den on December 14 at Bake Mate Oval on the Marist College Bendigo campus.