Saints stay in touch with top four

A FIVE-wicket victory in the final round of the year has kept Heathcote in touch with the top four on the A-Reserve ladder in the Castlemaine District Cricket Association.

The Saints chased down Maiden Gully Lions’ target of 196 in last Saturday’s play.

Heathcote made its way to the Lions den at Bake Mate Senior Oval at Marist College Bendigo for the round 10 showdown.

After deciding to bat in the warm conditions, Maiden Gully went from 2-28 to 3-151 as opening batter Brodie Hogan and number four Robert Brown teamed for a 123-run stand.

Brown’s innings of 66 off 77 deliveries included seven boundaries before he was bowled by Daniel Butler.

It was 13 runs later that Hogan’s run to 67 off 113 deliveries, which included five fours, was ended when he was caught by Brad Rowe off Daniel Butler’s bowling.

The Lions then lost 3-28 to finish on 7-194 off 40 overs against a Saints attack led by Daniel Butler, 3-17; Tim Gleeson, 2-20 off eight overs; and David Wilson, 2-19.

Heathcote’s chase started strongly as opening batters Brad Rowe (40) and Daniel Butler (32) teamed for a 73-run stand.

The Lions struck back to take 3-0 as Daniel Butler was bowled by Connor Berry; Brad Rowe was run out by Robert Brown; and Walter Butler was adjudged leg before off a Brown delivery.

Leadership by vice-captain Tim Gleeson (23), Cale Polson (31) and an unbeaten 33 by captain Nick Malavisi allowed Heathcote to reach 5-198 in the 37th over.

The best of the Lions attack was Robert Brown with 2-24 off eight overs.

After a break for Christmas and New Year, Heathcote and Maiden Gully Lions meet on 11 January at Pigeon Park at Heathcote’s Barrack Reserve. The round 11 clash will start at 1pm.