QUALIFYING a Nelson Bay team for a grade one pennant competition for the first time since the mid-1990's was Terry Antram's goal when he took over as the club's bowls manager two years ago.
The plan was to lift the Nelson Bay Bowling Club out of grade two with a zone championship victory.
Then he could assess how long and what it would take to win at the top level.
In May last year Antram and the Bay boys beat Port rivals Raymond Terrace then Swansea in the grade two finals and the first hurdle was cleared.
Now Antram ponders his team's 2010 fate.
"I thought we might be competitive this year, but with the skill that we have had come into the team, I think we are a chance to win it," he said.
Among the talent bringing hope to the Bay is dual NSW and South Australian representative Steve Green and Kiwi Kevin Robinson, regarded as one of the best New Zealand bowlers outside of the national team.
They will join the likes of Antram and Richard Girvan who is in the New Zealand national team.
As well as the flattering player roster Nelson Bay Bowling Club has given way to a new age of professionalism.
Since the last pennant season grade one players at the club are banned from drinking while playing as part of a new code of conduct.
Antram has also introduced a formal training program involving weekly team drill sessions.
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