Gleeson strikes unbeaten ton

AN unbeaten century by Tim Gleeson highlighted Heathcote’s latest victory in the Castlemaine District Cricket Association’s A-Reserve action.

The Saints faced a daunting target of 225 on Taradale’s wicket in the round 15 clash.

Opening batters Daniel Butler and Brad Rowe teamed for a 49-run stand.

Butler struck a six and six fours in his innings of 35.

It was then Gleeson and Rowe who took control.

Gleeson hit five sixes and 10 fours in a brilliant knock of 111 not out.

Rowe’s innings of 72 not out included seven fours.

Their 177-run stand ensured the Rhys Ashen-captained Heathcote had beaten the second-placed Taradale by the 35th over.

The day’s play began with Taradale openers Brock Fletcher and Lyndon Vearing hitting the ball to many parts of the ground in a stand of 137.

Fletcher hit two sixes and 13 fours in his innings of 107.

A score of 74 by Vearing included a six and 13 fours.

Taradale was 2-205 when Lachlan Maltby was stumped by Brad Rowe off a Nick Malavisi delivery on 27.

The Saints then took three wickets for just two runs as vice-captain Malavisi took two wickets and Gleeson the other.

Fletcher’s knock ended with the score on 213.

Best of the Saints’ attack were Malavisi, 3-41 off eight overs, and Gleeson, 2-43 off eight.

The win ensured Heathcote kept the heat on fourth-placed Muckleford.

Both teams are locked on 90 points, but Muckleford is clear on a 1.091 to 1.040 ratio.

Heathcote heads down the Calder this Saturday to play on the Campbells Creek Colts wicket from 1pm.

Muckleford has the bye.

In the 14th round, Heathcote scored 1-131 in reply to the Campbells Creek Colts tally of 5-129 at Pigeon Park at Heathcote’s Barrack Reserve.

There are rounds still to play in the home-and-away series.