Tara Murray
Craigieburn is embracing the new challenge in Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 1, section 1.
After winning a division 2 title last season, the Eagles were promoted to division for this season with a number of new challenges ahead of them.
Eagles president Ben Robinson said they were really excited for this season, saying it would be a big season on and off the green.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “It’s the first time we’ve been up to division one so it will be a bit of a learning curve.
“It’s great for the club that has been around since 1983 and it’s the first time we’ve made it up there, it’s a big achievement.”
The move up to the higher division and their second side earning promotion as well, has seen an influx of players come to the club.
Robinson said that players were seeing that they were moving in the right direction, with many players returning to the club from higher grades after seeing what they’re doing.
“We’ve been able to get a lot of younger ones back,” he said. “Younger ones who had done elsewhere and are coming back home.”
Brandon Hicks and Barry Lambert are among the additions for Craigieburn this season.
The Eagles started their season on Saturday against an experienced Sunbury side, losing 99 (14)-78 (4).
Lawrence Brooks’ rink won 19-18, while Hicks rink won 27-19 to give the Eagles some points.
Robinson, who didn’t play on the weekend, said that they didn’t play how they would have liked in the two one-sided losing rinks.
He said for them this year was about consolidating their spot in division 1 as they continue to look at the future.
“It will be a learning curve,” he said. “We’ll look to get into finals and if we do that it will be a bonus.”
Robinson said things were looking well all around the club. He said they were trying to attract young families and people to the club.
“There’s a really good vibe around the club,” he said. “We’re looking to get barefoot bowls happening over the summer to try and get some more families involved as well.”
Meanwhile, Bundoora RSL started the premier division season with a big win against MCC.
Bundoora took the points 80 (14)-62 (4).
Ben Hubber’s rink won 27-8 and Josh Corless’ rink won 20-17. Luke Aiello’s rink lost 14-13 and Dean O’Neill’s rink lost 23-20.
In division 1, section 1, Bundoora RSL 2 beat Dandenong Club 2, 111 (16)-62 (2).
In division 1, section 4, Whittlesea had a thrilling win to the start of the season.
Whittlesea came away with the points 75 (16)-73 (2) against Parkdale. Robby Millar, Paul Williamson and Benjamin Winther were the winning skips.
In division 2, Whittlesea 2 and 3, and Lalor were among the winners.
