By Tara Murray
New Hoppers coach and coordinator Stephen Macklin is enjoying the challenge at the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 4, section 1 club.
Macklin joined the club before Christmas, replacing Mark Coleman, who departed after getting a role at Bowls Victoria.
“Mark got his new job and two to three weeks later I started, it was very quick,” he said.
“The people at the club have been fantastic and very welcoming, taking on some extra stuff early on as I get settled.”
Macklin, who knows Coleman, spoke with him and a couple of other connections at the club before taking it on.
He said in the end it was too good an opportunity to turn down.
“I get paid to do what I love,” he said. “Through Mark the club is heading in a really good direction now.
“It has the support of the Hoppers Club and it’s in a really good position to grow and move forward and become a real force on and off the green.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to see what can happen.”
Macklin, who had been working with people in the NDIS, said he brings plenty of organisational skills which were needed for this role.
He said one of the big focuses was ensuring that anyone who wanted to play bowls would be catered for, from social through to pennant.
Macklin has also stepped into Hoppers top pennant side on Saturdays, replacing Coleman.
The side has already sealed a finals spot and a win this week would ensure that they finish top two. They currently sit top.
On Saturday, Hoppers accounted for Sunshine RSL, 89 (14)-78 (4).
Jason Wright’s rink won 22-16 and Andrew Doyle’s rink had a 31-10 shot for Hoppers.
Macklin said there was a real positive vibe across the four Saturday sides.
“The top side will lock in a final if they win, but it is also pleasing that the Hoppers 2, Hoppers 3 and Hoppers 4 teams are all in the top four.
“It’s a testament to everyone. There’s a really positive vibe and you can feel it amongst the teams and the club.
“Mark started the process and it’s the culture you need if you’re to compete at a high level.
“Everyone is buying into that.”
In other results, Point Cook lost to Yarraville Footscray, 79 (14)-76 (4).
Michael Millen and Bruce Mummery were the winning skips for Point Cook.
Point Cook remains in third spot.
Palm Lake suffered a 79 (14)-71 (4) loss to Williamstown.
Meanwhile, Werribee beat Buckley Park in division 2, section 1, Werribee 89 (15)-72 (3).
Werribee sits second on the ladder, The Bees are nine points behind Bacchus Marsh, while four points ahead of Keilor.
