Heathcote readies for next test

CHALLENGES for Heathcote’s senior footy team keep on coming.

After a brilliant win on Mount Pleasant’s turf at Toolleen last round, Heathcote is back at Barrack Reserve this Saturday to take on Lockington Bamawm United.

The Stacy Fiske-coached LBU will be fighting to avoid a hat-trick of defeats.

For Saints’ coach Andrew Saladino and the 22 players it’s another challenge to accept and build on a 4-1 record.

“Our win at Mounts was one of the best in my time at the club,” Saladino said. “It was a difficult lead-up because of illness, injury and unavailability.

“We had to make five changes to a winning team and were up against an in-form and really skilful Mounts team. It was a gutsy win.”

Saladino said Heathcote’s work rate at centre clearances and stoppages played a crucial part in the win.

“It was an area we identified we had to do well to be a chance of beating the Blues,” he said.

“Clearances and stoppages the previous two matches had been down, so the boys worked really hard to improve that area.”

Saladino said the Saints could not afford to drop off in that area against LBU.

“Our style of game is risk and reward through forcing and capitalising on turnovers,” he said. “If our pressure is slightly down then the stronger teams can really hurt you.”

Seniors

Mount Pleasant 9.11 (65)

Heathcote 11.8 (74)

GOALS: Mount Pleasant: B. Weightman 2, M. Bennett 2, F. White 2, P. O’Brien 1, R. McIvor 1, M. Rovers 1

Heathcote: C. Grindlay 5, B. Padmore 1, K. Cavallaro 1, J. Kelly 1, L. Birch 1, J. Cavallaro 1, V. Butler 1

BEST: Mount Pleasant: R. McNamara, B. Hinneberg, F. White, W. Wallace, M. Bennett, B. White

Heathcote Seniors: B. Padmore, C. Hamilton, W. Direen, W. Long, L. Jacques, K. Cavallaro

TEAM P W L D B Pts %

North Bendigo 5 5 0 0 1 20 144.95

Mount Pleasant 6 4 2 0 0 16 185.22

Heathcote 5 4 1 0 1 16 154.88

White Hills 5 4 1 0 1 16 124.02

Lockington Bamawm 5 2 3 0 1 8 107.46

Colbinabbin 6 2 4 0 0 8 84

Elmore 5 2 3 0 1 8 83.75

Leitchville Gunbower 6 1 5 0 0 4 53.93

Huntly 5 0 5 0 1 0 42.61

Reserves

Mount Pleasant 13.14 (91)

Heathcote 2.3, 3.5 (23)

GOALS: Mount Pleasant: J. O’Connell 4, J. Mackenzie 3, J. Craig 2, J. Smith 1, F. Gentry 1, R. Pontell 1, E. Spark 1

Heathcote: T. Webster 1, M. Hall 1, Z. Brown 1

BEST: Mount Pleasant: J. Craig, J. Hufer, O. Bish, J. Mackenzie, J. O’Connell, J. Hopley

Heathcote: A. Williamson, C. Obst, D. McLean, C. Luscombe, T. Webster, N. Tobin