BHBR season preview: A fast start and consistency is what Learmonth is aiming for this season

In 2020-21, the side sat tight with Creswick just outside the top four, seven points behind it.

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It did, however, trail fifth-placed Linton by 30 points and fourth-placed Ballarat by 49.

Learmonth did create some separation from the bottom three sides, 19 points the better of Mt Xavier, Webbcona by 23 and Buninyong by 40.

If you were to place a title on Learmonth, the inbetweeners may be the most accurate.

There is not wholesale changes that need to be made, but some tweaks and more consistent play could take the side a long way.

The Courier caught up with club president Craig Findlay to discuss his side's expectations for the campaign.

A - Preparation's gone as well as can be expected. Our focus has really been on keeping members up-to-date and ensuring everyone does the right thing. We've lost some practice matches which is not ideal, but every club's in the same position. We've been really fortunate that our green has been open for a few weeks, which is a real credit to Bill Dunn and our greens' committee ... We're looking at a practice match against Creswick (today), so that'll be a great opportunity for us to come together.

A - Now that there's some certainty, there's a real sense of excitement and anticipation. We have a new synthetic green under construction which will be completed in time for the start of the season. This is great for the club but also the Learmonth community. We also have a new Pennant shirt this season which we're keen to wear for the first time.

A - Pleasingly, our numbers across the club are strong. We've got some new first-time bowlers, some returning bowlers, as a country club the more pressure for spots the more competitive we are. We also had a strong division three team last (season) so I'm sure the selectors will have a tough job.

A - We love competing against the Ballarat teams who are always strong. Based on last (season) we're all chasing Victoria which makes our first round match against them even more exciting. It's an even competition and the difference between all teams is basically consistency. With only three rinks every player needs to perform well.

A - Hard to tell at this time of year, but it'd be great to see the country clubs challenging. We're all very, very capable.

A - Given the season's been reduced to 14 rounds, starting well and getting pre-Christmas points is critical to closing that gap. Building early momentum and confidence with our rinks will be key. We started slowly last (season) and never really gave ourselves a chance.

A - Last year presented an opportunity to develop several players in different positions. I'm sure this will strengthen our consistency across the season as there will be more competition for spots. We're really looking forward to getting the season underway and competing strongly across all Saturday and Tuesday teams.

Ladder position: Seventh

Record: -87 shots, 92 points

2020-21 final round result: defeated by Victoria 41 (2) - 64 (14)

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