Message from our Chairman – Oli Clark appointed as New Coach

MONTMORENCY BOWLS COACHING APPOINTMENT SEASON 2021-22

It is with much pleasure I advise that the board has appointed Ollie Clark as club coach for the upcoming season, replacing Leigh Mc.Ilvenny who will be pursuing a business opportunity at his home town club Lorne.

As most members would be aware Ollie is Monty “bowls born and bred” having commenced bowling in 2006 at 11 years of age before moving to WA with his family in 2012 at age 16. Upon his return to Melbourne he resumed playing at Monty for a short while before moving to Fitzroy-Victoria bowls club where he played Division 1 for a number of years. When we appointed Leigh last season Ollie decided to return to us, and with great success as evidenced by his runner-up finish to Leigh in the Club Championship singles and also in winning the coveted Alec Treacher Medal for the best bowler in Saturday pennant.

The coaching sub-committee has met with Ollie on several occasions and we are very enthusiastic about what he will bring to our club, both in respect of on-green skills and leadership and, equally importantly for us, what we believe he can contribute in the off-green area such as marketing and promoting our club to a wider audience in terms of bowling opportunities. I would be very surprised if members are unaware of the URGENT need to make our club a bowls destination for both new and existing bowlers to address the ageing issue within our club. Ollie is well versed in the practical benefits of social media and has experience at Fitzroy in organizing club events.

Ollie has a big job on his hands but he is approaching the task with a most refreshing attitude, along with some positive plans for the future that I think members will warmly embrace.

Ollie is looking forward to the opportunity of addressing members at the AGM in May and in the meantime I urge all to support him in any and every way possible.

Steve Hillam

Board Chairman

22/4/21