SAWTELL Bowling Club teams have returned as state champions after winning their grades at the Bowls NSW Open Gender State Pennant Finals in Forster.

Sawtell Bowling Club were triumphant in the Grade 3 Mixed and Grade 4 Mixed events, as they bested other zone champions to take home the state titles.

Sawtell Bowling Club were also finalists in the Grade 6 Mixed and Grade 2 Women’s events, with all four teams who competed at Forster making the final rounds.

Sawtell beat Narrandera 62-42 to win the Grade 3 Mixed state title, while the club beat Hazelbrook 66-40 to win the Grade 4 Mixed state title.

The NSW State Pennant Competition is the oldest on the state calendar, and is widely regarded as the ultimate club sides championship for all players in every grade.

The State Pennant Finals sees Zone champions who have qualified by winning zone competitions, playing off against fellow zone winners from across NSW.

Sawtell Bowling and Recreation Club Chairman Paul Covington said the club is ecstatic to finally win a state flag.

“To have such a big representation at state level particularly in the Open Gender competition and come away with not one, but two state titles, is a huge result for the club.

“Sawtell was one of the big drivers of unification and the results speak for themselves,” Mr Covington said.

“I congratulate all the players who have done the club proud and also acknowledge the support of selectors, team captains, supporters and all the other bowlers who nominated to play but missed out gaining a spot in a team.”

“Bring on 2022,” Mr Covington said.

 

By Aiden BURGESS