Lalor Bowls Club is using this season in the Bowls Victoria metropolitan pennant competition as one of consolidation and building for the future.
After losing a number of players in the off-season, including Australian representative Carla Odgers, Lalor enters the season with a completely different look.
Club secretary David Ellis says this season will be a challenge.
“Some people have moved on; we’ve lost a few and it’s certainly had an impact on the club. This season will be tough, but we’ll get through it.”
Ellis says Lalor hasn’t recruited big names to replace the outgoing players but is looking inside the club.
“We have a couple of new players but no big names.
“Pretty much everyone has had to step up a grade and some have stepped up two grades.
“We’re looking at keeping all six sides in their divisions and anything more than that is a bonus
“We’ll be looking at finals for the following year.”
On Saturday, Lalor (2) got its first win for the season, beating Eltham (1) in division 1, section 2.
Lalor (2) won two of the rinks and 72-66 overall to take 14 of the 18 points available.
In division 1, section 3, Lalor (1) lost 104-53 to Richmond Union (1).