Top four hopes still alive

HEATHCOTE’S bid to qualify for the Castlemaine District Cricket Association’s A-reserve finals series is still on.

At two rounds to go in the regular season Heathcote is fifth on 90 points and 1.080 per cent.

The Saints’ latest win at Campbells Creek kept the heat on the fourth-placed Muckleford, 90 and 1.091.

As Heathcote has the bye this Saturday it will sweat on Maiden Gully Lions outplaying Muckleford on Bake Mate Oval at Marist College Bendigo.

In the 18th and final round on March 1, Heathcote faces Castlemaine United on its turf at Camp Reserve.

Muckleford will be back on home soil at Mapson Timmins Oval on March 1 to take on Taradale.

Heathcote scored a four-wicket victory in last Saturday’s clash with Campbells Creek Colts at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve.

After deciding to bat the CCC line-up was dimissed for 171 in the 38th over.

Top-order stands of 51 and 71 for the first and second wicket put Campbells Creek Colts on 2-122 as James Collie, 59; Leigh Walker, 36; Brad Sturgess, 29; and Clint McLeod, 28, led the way.

The Saints struck back to take 8-49.

Heathcote captain Rhys Ashen was in hot form as he captured 5-25 off eight overs.

Cale Polson took 3-39 in 7.2 overs.

Other wicket-takers for the Saints were Tim Gleeson and David Wilson.

A 72-run stand for the second wicket between Brad Rowe and Tim Gleeson led Heathcote’s chase.

The Saints did fall to 4-104 when Gleeson, 23 off 35 deliveries; Rowe, 61 off off 46, and Cale Polson, nought, went in quick succession.

Rhys Ashen, 20, and Liam Hubble, 31, took charge.

Heathcote reached 6-172 in the 32nd over.

Docked of the points from the win against Campbells Creek Colts on February 2, Heathcote has won its past two matches.