Tara Murray
Deer Park has hit the ground running as it tries to retain its spot at the top of the Bowls Victorian premier division weekend pennant competition.
After claiming their first premier division premiership last season, the Parkers have started the season in fine form with three wins.
While on Saturday, they suffered the first loss of the season to Moonee Valley, 80 (16)-78 (2),
Speaking before the weekend’s loss, head of bowls operations Mark Casey said it had been an exciting start to the season for the club.
“We are delighted,” he said.
“Traditionally, we haven’t been the best of starters over recent years so to hit the ground running so early it’s really pleasing to see.”
The experienced Casey said they hadn’t treated this year any differently to last season, despite coming in with a target on their back.
He said they were confident in their group of players and just try to focus on what they need to do on game day.
The core group of last season’s premiership team has returned, but Casey said they did lose some players.
He was more than confident in the squad they have this season.
“We have been very lucky to be able to add in a lot more depth with the likes of Chris Green, Andrew Price, Winston Brackley and Paul Lawrence.
“We also added in a new marquee in Matty Baus who has been a huge asset for us already.”
Casey said the club had set high expectations for this season, not just for their top side but their other sides as well.
“Our premier league team is determined to go back to back,” he said. “We have put a lot of work in, so now it’s just a matter of keeping performing week in week out to give ourselves the best chance come finals time.
“The club also has a major focus to get our division 2 team promoted this year, we have been trying for several years so we are hoping this is our year.”
Off the green, the club has received some exciting news that the redevelopment of their dome, which was damaged by a storm, will start in January.
The club on Thursday announced that it had also added one of bowl’s rising stars Ellie Dixon for the next season.
Dixon has represented Norfolk Island at the Commonwealth Games and World Bowls Championships.
Casey said Dixon was beaming with delight at the move to Victoria and joining forces with Deer Park as she moves to Melbourne for university.
