A desperately undermanned Werribee slumped to its first defeat of the Bowls Victoria division 1 season.
The Bees were four walk-up starters short of a full strength side, losing 88-69 to Altona (2) at Watton Street on Saturday.
Bees skip Snowy Barker told Star Weekly his side’s depth was stretched to the maximum.
“It was a fairly reasonable effort; Altona’s going to be one of the top sides, we think.”
A troubling sign was the performance of the Jayden Christie rink. Christie has been bowling strongly but his rink has struggled to put it together, beaten comprehensively in the past two games and finishing 26 shots down on Saturday.
Mick O’Neil’s rink was the only winner on the day, up nine, while Dave Kelly snared a point in a tie.
Despite the teething problems, Barker said Christie had been given the vote of confidence to turn it around.
“He’s been bowling very well, but his rink needs to turn it around.
“It’s no problem; it’s character building for him,” Barker said.
On a positive note, lead Chris Smithwick has been producing at a high level to start the season, but was sorely missed last Saturday as one of the four unavailable players.
“He’s playing his role really well, getting bowls in the head to start the game and leading really well,” Barker said.
Ian Milledge, playing third in the Rob Panton rink, can expect a promotion should his strong form continue.
The Bees should be closer to full strength for the trip to Elsternwick Club this Saturday.
