Melton is slowly settling its line up as it prepares for a big patch of matches in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant, division 2, section 2 season.
The Mustangs dropped back a division this year but didn’t need much time to adjust.
After playing every team once, the Mustangs have lost just one game and sit second on the ladder.
It’s match with ladder leaders Moonee Ponds was washed out.
Speaking before the weekend, Mustangs coach Matt Blackburn said they were pretty happy with how things were tracking.
“We have started well and we’re half way through the year,” he said.
“We were always positive about where we would be. We started the season against a couple of the stronger sides and we got away with some wins.
“We dropped a game that we should have. We’re starting to get players back after not having the same side at all this year.”
Blackburn said they’d had three or four players from their second side come up and get their opportunities.
He said the biggest thing for them was settling their line up and finding the right combinations, which he felt they had done.
“We had a few little movements on the weekend,” he said of the Deer Park 3 game.
“We’ve happy with how the combos are looking at the moment which is a good thing heading into Christmas.”
Melton can set up its season heading into its next three rounds.
The final two matches before Christmas are against the third and fourth placed sides.
They face the top side in the match after Christmas.
The first of the three of those matches was on Saturday against Altona 2.
Lightning resulted in the match washed out and the two teams splitting the points.
Across the board it has been a strong season for the Mustangs.
Their top three Saturday sides all sit in the top four, while two of their three midweek sides also sit in the top four.
Meanwhile, Melton pair Chelsea Pollock and Lisa Trewarne have been named in the Victorian based Jackaroos Academy squad.
It’s the first time the pair have been named in the squad.
Blackburn said it was pretty special for them.
“It’s a good reward for them and the hard work they’ve put in over the last few years,” he said.
“They didn’t think it would be possible at this time.
“Both have five year plans and it was in the five year plan, not in five months, it has crept up on them.
“Everyone around the club is getting around them. It’s massive for the club.”
