Tara Murray
The fire has been lit for Bacchus Marsh in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 2, section 1 competition.
Bacchus Marsh was the top team last season before going out in straight sets in the finals.
With a very similar side to last season, the club is keen not to make the same mistakes this year.
Tanner Dickson-Arthur has returned to the club after four years and will be a key part of the squad now.
He said the players who were there last season are all hungry to improve.
“It was disappointing to end the season in straight sets,” he said. “We were the best team all season, but weren’t come finals.
“It was a bit of a setback last season. Hopefully that ignites a fire and we’re determined to win like we did a few years ago.
“We want to play the highest that we can. We think we have more than enough players in the group and we have more depth in the second side.
“We want to have as many teams as possible as finals.”
Dickson-Arthur said they have kept the majority of last season’s team together which was a big help.
He said everyone wants to come back each year.
“It helps a lot,” he said. “Most of our last two premierships are made up by this core group.
“We’ve stuck together the last few years and are gelling on and off the green.
“That is worth the weight in gold and they know how to win.”
Bacchus Marsh kicked off its season on Saturday against Keilor.
It was a match that went down to the wire, with Keilor winning 78 (12)-73 (6).
Glenn Sargent’s rink won 19-15, Matthew Young’s rink won 20-15 and Simon Cornock’s rink won 22-17.
Just Webster’s rink went down 31-12.
Dickson-Arthur said they would take a lot of positives out of the result against a side that also played finals last year.
“I said to the guys afterwards, winning three rinks away from home in round one is still a good effort,” he said.
“Round one is the hardest round as you’re trying to get combos right and you don’t know how much everyone has played in the off season.
“Keilor jumped out to a lead and we gave it a crack and nearly got in front in the end.
“I was pretty happy. Six points is a good start and the best type of loss if you’re going to have a loss.”
Off the green, Dickson-Arthur said the club was still going through the motions of merging with the Avenue.
Minniti, who had been president, has stepped away from bowls for 12 months. Three people filling the presidency role including Dickson-Arthur.
“We’ve split it as Phil was doing about five different jobs,” he said.
Bacchus Marsh this week faces Melton 2.
Dickson-Arthur said Melton was the closest they had a to rival and both sides also got up for games against each other.
