Cricketers aim for a run of matches

HEATHCOTE’S cricket teams will be hoping a run of matches begins with this Saturday’s play at Store Edge Park in Heathcote and Hepburn.

A combination of fires, the Australia Day holiday and heat have meant the Saints have played just one match in the Castlemaine DCA’s A-reserve competition since 13 December.

Heathcote will be back at Store Edge Park in Barrack Reserve for Saturday’s round 13 showdown with North Castlemaine. Play starts at 1pm.

It will be their second meeting this season.

A high-scoring match at Thompsons Transport Oval on Wesley Hill on 8 November ended in a 20-run victory for the Saints.

Heathcote scored 3-245 off 40 overs and then held the hosts to a tally of 7-225.

Leading run-scorers for Heathcote were Brad Rowe (86) and Brad Polson (75).

The round 8 match planned for Store Edge Park on 6 December was abandoned.

The Brad Polson-led Saints sit atop the ladder with four rounds to play until finals.

Key players in the Heathcote lineup include Kris Bagley, Tim Gleeson, Liam Hubble, Nick Malavisi and Brad Rowe.

Meanwhile, it has been many weeks since Heathcote has taken to the field in B-grade.

The most recent hit-out for the Brett Polson-captained Saints was on 13 December at Taradale.

The Taradale lineup reached 6-179 in 34 overs after Heathcote set a target of 178.

This round the Saints make their way to Hepburn.

Back in round 8 Hepburn forfeited its clash with Heathcote, which was to have been played at Mia Mia.

It is a closely-fought battle to claim fourth place and a finals berth.

Muckleford and Heathcote are both locked on 66 points.

The Muckleford team has a percentage of 1.622 as the Saints are on 0.932.

Heathcote’s squad includes Brian Austin, Des Gilmore, Ben Poulton, Violet Hubble, Meg O’Callaghan, and Harry and Jack Rees.