Saints in Lions’ den at Maiden Gully

HEATHCOTE steps into the Lions den when it plays Maiden Gully in tomorrow’s (Saturday, December 14) 10th round of A-reserve action in the Castlemaine District Cricket Association season.

The Saints and Lions will meet on either side of the Christmas-New Year break as they play at Bake Mate Oval at Marist College Bendigo tomorrow and at Heathcote’s Pigeon Park on January 11.

It’s a crucial match for Heathcote as it strives to make up ground on the top four.

The Saints start tomorrow’s play in fifth place on 42 points.

Ladder-leaders are North Castlemaine, 72; Taradale, 66; Castlemaine United, 66; and Campbells Creek Colts, 66.

The Saints and Lions were both beaten in last Saturday’s play.

Heathcote played on Muckleford’s ground at Mapson-Timmins Oval.

There were plenty of contributors in Muckleford’s score of 8-157 off 40 overs as Marty Sharples, 35; Tim Gingell, 32; and Jackson Davis, 17, led the way.

Best of Heathcote’s attack were Brian Austin, 3-34 off eight overs, and Ben Poulton, 2-35 off eight overes.

The Saints made a strong start to the chase as opening batters Brad Rowe and Daniel Butler teamed for a 69-run stand. Rowe had struck six four in his innings of 34 off 39 balls when he was first to be dismissed.

Four runs later and Butler was on his way after what would be the team’s top score of 37.

Butler struck two sixes and three fours in his 33-delivery knock.

From there wickets tumbled regularly as Muckleford took 7-36 to take the premiership points.

Vice-captain Tim Gleeson, 14, and captain Nick Malavisi, 13, were the only other Heathcote players to reach double figures.

Muckleford’s attack was led by Nash Turner, 3-7 off 23 deliveries; Thomas Smith, 2-25 off eight overs; and captain Lachlan Green, 2-36.