Tara Murray
Deer Park is primed for a strong finals series in the Bowls Victoria weekend premier division pennant.
On the back of four wins in a row, the Parkers sit on top of the ladder and starting to break away from the pack.
The club’s second side is also on top, while the third side has won their last three matches.
With the arrival of Alex Marshall, arguably the world’s greatest ever bowler, the Parkers are only getting stronger.
Head of bowls operations and player Mark Casey said they were happy with where things were at.
“We are going really well,” he said. “We’ve got a little bit of a gap to second place now. We’ve got two big games this weekend.
“Win both of those games and we’re in a really good position.”
Marshall made his debut against Croydon last weekend.
Casey said the arrival of Marshall was massive for not only the club, but the whole competition.
“Alex won his rink by a shot after being down virtually the whole game, playing two two young boys, Tyson and Koby Cromie.
“We played out in Croydon and there were six or seven club shirts who were keen to watch Alex play.
“It’s good for the competition.”
Casey said for the club to have Marshall, after having star Aussie player Aaron Teys play earlier in the season, was beneficial for the young players coming through.
“Tyson and Kobie learned a lot off Alex,” Casey said.
“Tyson has really come on this year and skippered a few games. He’s been one of our stars.
“Koby is only 14 and doing well.
“What we’re trying to tell them is that this doesn’t come along often and to soak up as much info as you can.
“They will be better for it in years to come.”
While the results are flowing the way of Deer Park, the club like others is juggling the annoying COVID-19 pandemic in the background.
Casey said the club was just trying to stick to the task at hand.
“We have to be careful with the covid situation, as we’ve been struck down by it, me included,” he said.
“One more today has got it.
“All the clubs are in the same position in the lead up to finals.
“We have to focus and concentrate on every division. We want to make finals and stay up in those divisions.
“It is a challenge, but we’ll do the best we can.”
Deer Park is playing Yarraville-Footscray on Friday night and MCC on Sunday.
