Keeping team intact a goal for cricket club

RETAINING most of the 11 that represented Heathcote in this season’s cricket action is a huge goal for the Saints leading into the 2025-26 campaign.

The Saints capped the move up from runner-up in B-grade the previous season to reach the A-reserve preliminary final.

Heathcote’s run was ended in a 29-run loss to North Castlemaine in the preliminary final.

It was a new-look Heathcote team that took to the field this season.

The Saints have had Rhys Ashen, Brian Austin, Tim Gleeson, Nick Malavisi and Ben Poulton play both seasons.

In 2024-25 it was Daniel and Walter Butler, Liam Hubble, Oscar Johnston, Cale Polson and Brad Rowe who batted, bowled or did both, as well as fielding for the red, white and black in the preliminary final.

Leading run-scorers for the Rhys Ashen-captained Saints were Tim Gleeson (465) and Daniel Butler (406).

Among the highs was an unbeaten knock of 111 by Gleeson at Taradale in the 15th round.

Gleeson teamed with opening batter Brad Rowe (72 not out) for an unbeaten stand of 177 as the Saints chased down a target of 225 in 35 overs.

Daniel Butler’s best scores were 84 not out at Harcourt in round seven, and 60 not out.

Another highlight was the streak by Rowe as he scored 56 not out, 72 not out, and 61 across three innings in a row.

Ashen scored 155 runs and took 21 wickets.

The best performance by the skipper was 5-25 off eight overs in a four-wicket victory against Campbells Creek Colts at Campbells Creek in the 16th round.

The spin bowling of Malavisi captured 24 wickets across 11 matches. Gleeson was one of the competition’s leading all-rounders as he took 23 wickets across 12 contests.

Another key member of Heathcote’s attack was Ben Poulton, who captured 17 wickets.