IT has been a disastrous start to the Bowls Victoria premier division for Altona.
The new-look A’s have been wiped out in their first two games.
As if a 15-shot road loss to Clayton in the season opener wasn’t bad enough, they backed up with an even worse performance on their home track on Saturday.
The A’s failed to claim a rink in an 86-57 loss to an impressive Melbourne that made the hosts look second rate.
A’s player-coach Brett Dodd has called for patience as he tries to get a top side with a number of new faces to gel.
“It hasn’t been the best of starts, that’s for sure,” he told the Weekly.
“We’ve got eight new players and they’re all playing different roles.
“It’s going to take a bit of time to get the hang of it.
“There’s no doubt they will. They’re too good as players not to.”
The A’s were the big wheelers and dealers in the off season.
They were widely tipped to be the big improvers after missing out on the finals last season. Dodd is adamant his side is good enough to compete for the title.
Though, he acknowledges they are a long way off where they need to be.
“They [Melbourne] were good, but at the same time, we were pretty bad.
“They’ve shown us what [level] we need to get to.
“We’re taking a long-term view.
“We know we’ve got the side to challenge.
“The guys are working their guts out, so it will turn around sooner rather than later, I’m pretty sure.”
One of the bright spots for the A’s in the early rounds has been the form of Tino Krizos.
The lead in the Dodd rink has been a pleasant revelation.
“He’s was a guy who was probably on the fringe at the start, but he’s done everything right, worked hard and is reaping the benefits,” Dodd said.
“He hasn’t played a bad game.
“He’s been sensational right through the practice games and through the first two games of the season.
“He’s probably been the most consistent player through the whole side.”
Skip Brad Peck has picked up his strong form where he left off last season, but his quartet was still edged out by a shot.
The other skips, Dodd, David Zitter and Brenton Coad, were beaten heavily.
Altona simply has to find a way to win on the road against Mentone on Saturday to keep within reach of the leading sides.
“It’s a big game,” Dodd said.
“If we can get a win under the belt, we can get the confidence up and get going.”
Bowls
Saturday pennant
Premier division: Altona 0-57 lt Melbourne 18-86.
Division 1: Footscray Park Rosamond 16-74 d Lalor 2-66; Yarraville/Footscray 16-104 d MCC 2-63.
Division 2: Williamstown 16-87 d Port Melbourne 2-71.
Division 3: Newport 14-80 d Williamstown 2 4-76; Altona Sports 16-99 d Sunshine VRI 2-49
Division 4: Laverton 16-88 d St Albans 2-78
Division 5: Melton 16-93 d Altona North 2-69
Tuesday pennant
Premier division — women: Yarraville/Footscray 1-39 lt Glenroy 15-74
