Massive test for Saints in Newstead

STUNG by consecutive defeats, Heathcote heads to Newstead in Saturday’s fifth round of A-reserve action in the Castlemaine District Cricket Association season.

The Saints will be desperate to bounce back from back-to-back defeats which has the team’s record at one-three.

Building partnerships is what Heathcote has struggled to do the past two contests against Muckleford and Castlemaine United.

Although it was back on home turf at Pigeon Park in Barrack Reserve for last Saturday’s match, Heathcote reached a score of 9-103 off 40 overs against Castlemaine United.

The visitors marked a four-wicket victory as they passed the target in the 34th over.

From 2-25 the Saints were 7-49 as number three batter Tim Gleeson had hit top score of 18.

Vice-captain Nick Malavisi and Brian Austin teamed for a 26-run stand.

When they were dismissed in the space of five runs the Saints were 9-82.

Elijah Hurley and Walter Butler worked hard to lift the target to 103.

Best of the Castlemaine United attack was Declan Brasher on 4-8 off eight overs.

Early breakthroughs by captain Rhys Ashen and Tim Gleeson had Castlemaine United reeling on 3-8.

Opening batter Adam Smolak, 38; captain Brian Brasher, 16; and Harper Kneebone, 22; led the successful chase.

Newstead broke its winless run as scored 7-262 at home and then held Maiden Gully Lions to a score of 9-162.

Ben Christmas struck a brilliant 157 off 97 deliveries and Rhys Smith hit 41 runs.

The Christmas knock included five sixes and 23 fours.