Tara Murray
Melton is backing in youth as it prepares for its return to Bowls Victorian weekend pennant division 1, section 1.
After finally claiming a division 2 title, the Mustangs will play in division 1 this season presenting a different challenge.
Coach Todd Trewarne said they were looking forward to it.
“The club has had to fight to be there the last few years and we finally got it done,” he said. “We’re finally back up there.
“We’ve added two or three players and we’re taking in a younger group than last year.
“The average age of the squad is 29-30 across the 16 players, it’s younger than most teams.”
The big signing for the Mustangs is Des Cann.
Cann will fly in from Queensland each week to play. He plays in the Queensland state side and has won several state titles.
Trewarne said Cann would be massive for them and would be one of their biggest signings ever and he would bring plenty of experience to the group.
While the club is only just back up in division 1, Trewarne said they weren’t there just to make up the numbers.
“The first aim is to make finals,” he said. “Hopefully we can have a good year and win the whole thing.
“With our pick ups, we certainly want to be making finals.”
The Mustangs started their season with a thrilling win against Yarraville Footscray 2 on Saturday in division 1, section 1.
The teams split the rinks with Melton winning, 88 (14)-85 (4).
Trewarne’s rink was the big winner on the day, winning 35-18. Cann’s rink also got up, winning 22-18.
Anthony Briggs’ ink list 24-15 and Chris Barritt-Eyles’ rink last 25-16.
Trewarne said across the board things were looking good at the club. He said now having their top two sides in different divisions, division 1 and 2, was a real positive.
Their second side suffered an 84 (14)-65 (4) loss on Altona 2 on Saturday.
“We’ve picked up some players in the other grades too,” he said. “We have some good depth in the four sides.
“Having the second side in a different division inspires players to want to play in a higher division.
“We’re getting more people attending training.”
Melton faces Brunswick in division 1 in round two. The Mustangs will be at the home for the first time for the season.
