Bagley, Hubble star in cricket victory

MIDDLE-order batter Kris Bagley and opening bowler Liam Hubble led Heathcote’s run to victory in the A-reserve cricket clash at Maiden Gully last Saturday.

The Saints took on Maiden Gully Marist in the 11th round of the Castlemaine District Cricket Association (DCA) season.

The Saints’ only defeat across the opening 10 rounds was on 13 December against Maiden Gully Marist at Mia Mia.

Play resumed later than usual after the Christmas-New Year break, following the fires that tore through Harcourt on 16 January.

After being sent in, Heathcote was 4-47 as Michael Rogers took three early wickets.

Saints skipper Brad Polson led the fightback with 26 runs before he was trapped leg before wicket by William Trew. Batting at seven, it was Bagley to the rescue.

He struck six fours on his way to 71 runs off 59 deliveries.

A highlight was a 42-run stand with Nick Malavisi.

The Saints reached 9-221 off 40 overs as Malavisi was unbeaten on 32.

The best of the MGM attack were Michael Rogers (3-29), Ben Hancock (3-39) and Robert Douglas (2-42).

The hosts lost 4-35 in the chase as Liam Hubble and Cale Polson made the early breakthroughs.

A 65-run stand lifted Maiden Gully Marist’s hopes, but Hubble’s fourth wicket proved to be a decisive one.

After 40 overs the MGM lineup was 9-195.

The best of the Saints attack were Liam Hubble (4-37), Damian Jacques (2-12) and Nick Malavisi (2-35).

It was a bye for Heathcote in B-grade.

There is no play in the Castlemaine DCA on the Australia Day holiday weekend.

The season resumes on 31 January.

Heathcote will be back at Store Edge Park in Barrack Reserve for the A-reserve clash with Castlemaine United from 1pm.

The Saints will face Newstead in the B-grade match on 31 January from 1pm at Mia Mia.