Matthew Rennex was involved in a thrilling draw for Altona on Saturday. 75642 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By LIAM TWOMEY
ALTONA’S chances of making the Premier Bowls finals look all but gone after a thrilling draw against Bundoora RSL on Saturday.
The match, originally scheduled for round eight, went down to the wire after Altona had led for the majority of the day. Altona bowls co-ordinator Neal Pattie said it was disappointing not to come away from the match with a much-needed win.
“Because it was a make-up game from round eight, we had to put in the same team we had in round eight even though three of those guys had been dropped out of the side and other guys had come in to take their spots,” Pattie said.
“We had the game won all day and then they came home and tied with us in the end.”
The final score was 9-76 each as one of the competition’s leading clubs looks set for an early finish to its season.
“Everything would have to go our way (to make finals). We need a dream run. We need to win next Friday night against the same team. Then we would have to beat the top side, Melbourne, easily the week after and get things to go our way on top of that. It’s a very slim chance.”
Despite the poor season, Pattie is confident Altona can quickly change its form for next year.
“I think overall we just haven’t been strong enough and haven’t performed,” Pattie said. “We have got some plans in place for next season. We are doing a bit of a make-over of our current team.
“I think it will be a quick turn-around next year because we will have a few new players at the top and a few more coming through in the second and third positions.” he said. For sides that did not take part in make-up matches, competition will return to normal this week with just two rounds left until finals begin.
