Whittlesea’s season couldn’t have got off to a better start in Bowls Victoria Pennant division 1 section 2.
Having been knocked out in the first week of the finals last season, Whittlesea has so far this season nailed six wins and a wash-out draw.
Whittlesea coach Nick McIntyre, who played division 1 finals last season for the first time, said getting off to a good start was vital to their chances.
On Saturday, Whittlesea defeated Hurstbridge 90 (16) – 71 (2). It now sits second on the ladder, five shots behind Bundoora RSL.
“We’re off to a good start,” McIntyre said. “This season we want to win a final.”
So far this season Whittlesea has already accounted for Bundoora RSL, the side that eliminated it from last season’s finals.
“We beat them by one shot,” McIntyre said. “They’ll definitely be one of the teams to beat, along with Lilydale and MCC Kew Sports.”
McIntyre said Whittlesea had retained the majority of players from the past season, with the addition of new players such as Mark Phillips and John Tennant, while David and Billy Boulton have returned to the club.
McIntyre said the club as a whole was performing strongly, with the second side playing in division 2 this season after winning promotion.
Whittlesea has also set up a junior academy and scholarship program.
“The Whittlesea Wizards is a junior academy to get kids involved,” McIntyre said.
“It’s a good initiative from the club.”
Kyle Williams, one of about 14 kids involved in the juniors, had shown a lot of enthusiasm for the game and the club provided him a scholarship to help with his bowls and schooling.
The club’s good start to the year has also been reflected on the state stage, with McIntyre and Whittlesea teammate Luke Eddington part of the winning men’s triples team at the Victorian Open.
Bundoora RSL’s Graham Guy was the other member of the team.
“I had a good week,” said McIntyre, who also made the semi-finals of the open’s singles.
In other pennant results, Bundoora RSL defeated Altona 83 (16) – 57 (2) in premier division.
RSL is second on the ladder, 20 points behind runaway leader Mentone.
