Trailing by 15 shots with time running out, a series of big wins including a seven-shot end to Peter King along with four and five shot ends to Peter McLarty helped the Dogs over the line.

Wodonga, which clinched its sixth successive premiership and 20th flag in the past 25 years at the end of last summer, has now won its first two rounds by under 10 shots.

Ashley Bates, who skipped his rink to a 27-20 win over Greg McDonald, believed they would face some real challenges this season.

Wangaratta’s Laurie McDonald had some revenge with a 25-17 win over Josh Rudd, Wodonga’s Peter McLarty beat Ian Brimblecombe 26-19, while Jason King and Maurie Braden finished their contest at 24-all.

“We beat Benalla by four last week and Wangaratta by six on Saturday — we’re not taking anything for granted,” Bates said.

“But on Saturday Ben-alla won by 80 shots against Myrtleford and have a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Mark Jacobsen, in their team.

“Corowa Civic won its first game on Saturday and they have a strong team as well.

“In both our games to date we have had tight rinks across the board.”

Corowa Civic turned around a first-round 27-shot loss to Yarrawonga-Mulwala with a 16-shot win against Rutherglen, Corowa Services bounced back after losing to Wangratta to notch a 26-shot win in the only other contest in the Ovens and Murray A1 pennant bowls.

Bates said it was just good to be back into competitive bowls.

“The greens were great on Saturday and everyone is happy that we are back into the swing of pennant bowls again,” he said.

We beat Benalla by four last week and Wangaratta by six on Saturday — we’re not taking anything for granted ... In both our games to date we have had tight rinks across the board.

Ashley Bates