Cricket team finishes third

HEATHCOTE has ended this season’s A-reserve action in the Castlemaine District Cricket Association in third place.

The Saints run was ended by North Castlemaine in last Sunday’s preliminary final at Barkers Creek.

Set a target of 150, Heathcote was dismissed for 121 in the 30th over.

After being 2-22 the Saints fought back through the play of Tim Gleeson and captain Rhys Ashen as they teamed for a 45-run stand.

Ashen’s innings of 18 was ended by a run out.

Brian Austin and Liam Hubble were dismissed as North Castlemaine captured 3-3.

Ben Poulton joined Gleeson for a 24-run stand which was broken when Poulton was run out.

After striking five fours in a 64-ball innings, Gleeson was run out on 49.

The scoreboard read 7-108.

Darren Hinck, John Howorth and Karsen Beer took the last three wickets as North Castlemaine progressed to Saturday’s grand final against Taradale.

Best of the Saints attack in the preliminary final were Rhys Ashen, 4-29, and Cale Polson, 3-29.

The grand final between North Castlemaine and Taradale hits off at 1pm on Wesley Hill.

It was Taradale which scored a 53-run win against North Castlemaine in the second semi-final.

A big weekend of cricket included Saturday’s first semi-final in which Heathcote scored a one-wicket victory against Muckleford at Bake Mate Oval in Marist College Maiden Gully.

Set a target of 157, Heathcote reached 9-158 in the 40th over.

The Saints were in strife on 5-75, but hit back through the play of Nick Malavisi, 22 runs; Cale Polson, 19, and an unbeaten 12 by Walter Butler.

A last-wicket stand of 12 by Butler and Oscar Johnston, four not out, ensured the Saints would clinch victory.

Captain Rhys Ashen, 3-25; vice-captain Malavisi, 3-28; and Ben Poulton, 3-40; led the attack after Muckleford had reached 4-102.