Saints face test on Taradale’s wicket

HEATHCOTE faces another big test at Taradale this Saturday as the Castlemaine District Cricket Association hits the 15th round of A-reserve matches.

After splitting last weekend’s results at home at Pigeon Park in Heathcote against Newstead and Campbells Creek Colts the Saints take on the second-placed Taradale.

The Saints and Taradale clash starts at 1pm.

It was two wins from as many starts for Taradale as it defeated Campbells Creek Colts and Castlemaine United in last weekend’s matches.

The round eight match between the Saints and Taradale was abandoned because of wet weather.

Stung by a 23-run loss to North Castlemaine at Heathcote’s Barrack Reserve last Saturday the Saints bounced back on the same ground the next day to beat Campbells Creek Colts.

The Colts were held to a score of 5-129 off 40 overs as Brian Austin and Cale Polson featured among the wicket-takers.

Although he did not take a wicket, vice-captain Tim Gleeson kept the heat on as he finished with 0-14 off eight overs.

In the chase for victory, opening batter Brad Rowe hit 56 not out from 65 deliveries as the Saints reached 0-130 in the 18th over.

The previous day Heathcote was bowled out for 137 in reply to Newstead’s target of 8-160.

Best for the Saints were Kyle Seidel and Nick Malavisi on two wickets, and fine innings of 46 by Tim Gleeson and an unbeaten 28 by Ben Poulton.

At four rounds to go in the home-and-away series, Heathcote is fifth on 78 points.

The Saints will be trying to overtake Muckleford which is on 78 points and hosts Harcourt ths Saturday.

Heathcote’s run to complete the regular season is on Campbells Creek Colts turf in round 16, a bye a week later, and against Castlemaine United at Camp Reserve in the 18th round.