Ladder leaders keen to retain edge

TOP of the A-reserve ladder, Heathcote faces Castlemaine United in the Castlemaine District Cricket Association clash on Saturday.

The Saints are back on home turf at Store Edge Park in Barrack Reserve for the one-day showdown, which starts at 1pm.

The teams are back in action after last weekend’s rest for the Australia Day holiday weekend.

When these clubs met in round 3 it was Heathcote that dominated play at Store Edge Park, winning by 119 runs.

The Brad Polson-captained Saints scored 168 off 39 overs as Daniel Butler (30), Brad Rowe (22) and Nick Malavisi (21) led the way.

Castlemaine United was 5-21 in the chase and the heat from the Saints’ attack did not let up.

Angus McIntosh took 3-6 off six overs as Cale Polson (2-9) and Liam Hubble (2-11) played their part in dismissing the visitors for 49.

The most recent hit-out for Heathcote was at Bake Mate Senior Oval at Marist College, where it defeated Maiden Gully Marist by 26 runs.

Highs for the Saints were the play of Kris Bagley (71), Nick Malavisi (32 not out and 3-35), and Liam Hubble (4-37).

Heathcote’s squad includes Brett and Cale Polson, Damian Jacques and Tim Gleeson.

It’s an eagerly awaited return to the pitch for the Saints in B-grade.

Heathcote will face Newstead at Mia Mia Recreation Reserve from 1pm.

The Saints have not played since a two-run loss on 13 December at Taradale.

A break for Christmas and New Year was followed by a bye.

Heathcote rolls into this round in fifth place on a win-loss tally of 5-4.

The Saints are six points behind the fourth-placed Muckleford.

Key players for Heathcote include captain Brett Polson, Brian Austin, Ben Poulton and Jack Rees.

The Saints also have Violet Hubble and Meg O’Callaghan in their lineup.