Tara Murray
Werribee is hoping to go one better in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 1, section 2 competition.
The Bees made the grand final last season before falling short to Deer Park 2 in the decider.
They return this season with a similar line up and are keen to be in the mix again according to chairman of selectors Mick O’Neil.
“We’re ready to go,” he said. “We’ve had a reasonable pre-season so we’ll see how we go.
“Ideally yes, we go one better, but a lot will depend on the opposition.”
O’Neil said they had lost one player from their squad from last season who was trying his luck at a higher level but felt that they would be able to replace them.
He said they’d had a couple of former players had returned to their squad which would bolster numbers.
The Bees kicked off their season on Saturday against Rosamond.
It was a big win for the Bees, winning 95 (16)-56 (2).
O’Neil’s rink won 28-12. Brendan Barker’s rink won 32-14 and Robert Panton’s rink won 21-15.
Robert Smith’s rink just went down, losing 15-14.
Speaking before the match, O’Neil said the two teams had been old rivals before they ended up in different divisions.
Rosamond was in its first game since being promoted.
Overall, the Bees will fill five sides and are keen to keep building on that.
They’ve just had a new carpet green installed to go with the grass one, with both part of the Chirnside Park development.
The club is also aiming to get more involved in the community.
“We have a revamped committee,” O’Neil said. “We’re trying a few different things.
“When Werribee Districts was in the [football] grand final we did 150 meals that day and afterwards the joint was full.
“We want to interact more with other clubs. We’re also starting doing meals on Friday nights.”
Werribee this Saturday faces Altona 2 which started its season with a win against Melton 2 to start the season.
In division 3, Werribee 2 beat Aberfeldie in section 2, while Werribee 3 lost to Club Sunbury in section 1.
In division 4, section 1, Hoppers started the season with a 106 (18)-66 (0) win against Palm Lake.
Albert Wu’s rink was the standout on the day, winning 35-16 against Neil Nicholas.
Point Cook also started with a win beating Altona, 81 (16)-69 (2).
