New Melton coach Matt Blackburn has been itching to get out and get the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 2, section 2 season underway.
Blackburn joined the club in the off season and replaces Todd Trewarne as coach, with the former coach now at Deer Park.
He said it had been a long pre-season.
“It’s probably been about three months, we’re looking forward to it,” he said.
“It’s been understanding what people play like and to get an idea of what is going on around the club.
“It has felt so long.”
Blackburn, who started playing bowls in Ballarat has spent the past five seasons at Fitzroy and has played in the premier competition.
It was a family connection that brought him to the Mustangs.
“My younger brother plays there and that makes it easier,” he said.
“My dad as well has come to the club. It’s been really good and an easy move to make.
“It’s a family club and my young one runs amuck. Everyone is so welcome.
“We had two girls playing in the state sides and around gets around them no matter what level they are playing.”
Blackburn said they felt they had put together a good squad for this season and had a bit of depth to choose from.
He said there were two or three players in the second side that would be pushing to play in the top side at some time throughout the season.
The Mustangs will play in division 2 this season after finishing seventh last season in division 1 and being relegated.
Blackburn said they felt they could find their way back up to division 1 and be a consistent side.
“We didn’t think we were that far off,” he said. “We lost a few games under 10 shots and we were in games.
“We win those games we find ourselves playing finals not relegated. We have to make sure we get the results right but we’re not looking to far ahead.”
Melton started its season on Saturday against Altona 2 at Altona.
It was a winning start for the Mustangs as they won, 87 (14)-76 (4).
Bradley Thomas’ rink was the standout for the Mustangs with a 33-10 win.
Blackburn’s rink had a one shot win, while Oscar Jones’ rink lost by three shots and Todd Blackburn’s rink lost by 10 shots.
Meanwhile, in division 1, section 1, Bacchus Marsh lost its season opener to Brunswick, 89 (16)-73 (2).
Simon Cornock was the winning skip for Bacchus Marsh.
