ENTHUSIASTIC bowlers and spectators crowded the three greens and surrounds at Nelson Bay Bowling Club last week.

Despite the cold weather, there were many Soldiers Point Bowling Club members supporting their team.

Teams were competing for a place in the NSW State Pennant Championships.

On a round robin basis the winner of each group of four teams is successful.

In windy conditions, the Soldiers Point Second Grade team had an impressive win over Warners Bay but narrowly went down to longstanding rivals Raymond Terrace – the Jets – who went on to win their group.

At Valentine, the Soldiers Point Seventh Grade team were unlucky not to qualify as they won two games out of three only losing to Valentine.

Although they beat Teralba they went down overall on a count back of winning ends with Teralba proceeding to the Finals

The end result is that only the Soldiers Point First grade team will proceed to the State Finals to be held at Forster.

Bowls Director Mark Watt thanked all the players who competed in the six Pennants Teams and said he had high hopes for more success next year!

New bowlers are welcome at Soldiers Point Bowling Club where they can receive free coaching.

By Peter SMITH