Heathcote takes on ladder-leading Taradale

HEATHCOTE faces the ladder-leading Taradale in this Saturday’s eighth round of A-reserve action in the Castlemaine District Cricket Association season.

The Saints will be back on their turf at Pigeon Park in Barrack Reserve when the crucial clash hits off at 1pm.

Both teams triumphed in last Saturday’s hot conditions.

Opening batter Daniel Butler hit an unbeaten 84 as Heathcote scored a nine-wicket victory at Harcourt.

The Saints won the toss and bowled in the Lions’ den.

Harcourt was 3-43 as Tim Gleeson, two wickets, and James Baker made the early breakthroughs.

The Lions struck back to be 6-107, before the Saints captured three wickets in the space of 10 runs.

Heathcote was set a target of 140 after Brian Austin, 3-26; and captain Tim Gleeson, 2-19; led the attack.

A 30-run opening stand between Daniel Butler and Brad Rowe was ended when Rowe was caught on 13.

From there it was Butler who struck 15 fours and a six on his way to 84 not out off 65 deliveries.

Butler and Gleeson, 18 not out, teamed for a 110 run stand as victory was achieved in 17 ½ overs.

The fifth-placed Heathcote is just a win behind Castlemaine United and Campbells Creek Colts.

Taradale scored a six-wicket win at home against Maiden Gully Colts.

Daniel Maerz and Kym Szegedi took three wickets each for the Andrew Young-led Taradale as Maiden Gully reached 9-139.

Opening batter Brock Fletcher scored 102 not out as Taradale was 4-143 in the 31st over.