By Liam Twomey
IT MAY be easier to break into Fort Knox than the Altona Men’s Premier Lawn Bowls side after they have had a busy off-season at the recruiting table.
Former Victorian junior skipper, Matthew Rennex, joins the club as a big name recruit as well as returning players Ben Major and Ray Patten.
They have also appointed a new captain in former Tasmanian state player Brad Peck.
Club president Neal Pattie said it was great to have competition for spots, heading into the new season.
“The recruiting has been good over the off-season and it’s good to have that depth. Originally, we were one of the first clubs to start paying blokes.
Now, we are about fifth or sixth in line in terms of coaching fees,” he said.
Pattie is hopeful the change in personnel can push the club to improve on its third-placed finish last year.
“I’d say, we are about a 10 per cent better side this year than last year. But it’s going to be a tough season. A number of other sides have improved as well,” he said.
“Melbourne and Essendon will be two sides to watch out for this year in my opinion.”
Despite boasting good membership numbers, the club is always on the look out for new bowling talent.
“We always welcome new members, and anyone from the Altona area and anyone who wishes to come along and have a go is welcome,” Pattie said.
This year, the club has organised, in conjunction with a number of rival clubs, to hold double header bowls matches and Friday night encounters to attract a number of fans.
“Bowls is a great sport, it’s pretty cheap to be involved in, and our club can offer members tremendous facilities. We play bowls 364 days a year, with Christmas Day the only day we aren’t open,” Pattie said.
Altona has teams in premier division, right down to division eight, making it easy to find the right standard for new comers.
Anyone wishing to become a member can contact Neal Pattie on 0428 141 664.
