Heathcote takes on Harcourt

IT’S another big test for Heathcote as it fights to stay in touch with the top four in Saturday’s sixth round of A-reserve action in the Castlemaine District Cricket Association season.

After a bye last round, Heathcote heads to Harcourt.

When these clubs met in round one it was Harcourt which won by six wickets on Heathcote’s turf at Pigeon Park in Barrack Reserve.

Harcourt won its opening two matches and is now determined to break a four-match losing streak.

After deciding to bat on Taradale’s ground last Saturday, Harcourt reached 9-132 off 40 overs as Owen Bloomfield, 38; Kyle McLean, 33; and captain Adrian Cole, 18, led the way.

Taradale reached the target in 17 overs as opening batter and captain Lachlan Maltby, 64, teamed with David Millard for a 118-run stand.

Millard was unbeaten on 54 as Taradale won by eight wickets.

In its most recent hit-out, Heathcote claimed a two-run win at Newstead.

Leading run-scorers for the Saints are Tim Gleeson, 133; Daniel Butler, 104; captain Rhys Ashen, 84; Brian Austin, 42; and vice-captain Nick Malavisi, 41.

The spin bowling of Malavisi has captured 11 wickets and Ben Poulton has claim nine dismissals.

Other key members of the Saints attack are Ashen, Gleeson, and Elijah Hurley.

Standings in the Castlemaine DCA’s A-reserve competition:

Taradale 48 points, 2.91; North Castlemaine 48, 1.9; Castlemaine United 48, 1.5; Campbells Creek Colts 48, 1.3; Heathcote 24, 0.86; Newstead 24, 0.84; Muckleford 24, 0.68; Harcourt 24, 0.55; Maiden Gully Lions 0, 0.46.