The win came through a series of battles for the bowling club, including a long, ten-game campaign against other Newcastle clubs, before they earned the right to play in the zone final.

Although the state competition was the end of the road for the Soldiers Point’s pennant team, club bowls director Terry Antram was proud of what they had achieved.

“The lads were great in their run to the state competition,” Antram said of the honours. “We are really happy for the team to have gotten where they did.”

“A couple of years ago we got a similar honour but it was rescinded. That showed that we had a good side however, and it was on the checklist to win so it’s great to achieve those goals.”

The Soldiers Point club revealed the debut honour alongside their mid-week grade-1 flag at an event at saw more than 70 club members, and guests, attend.

“The event was great, we unfurled the flag and we shared a lot of stories about the year and reminisced on what we have done,” Antram said of the successful day.

As well as the celebratory revealing of the flags, the club hosted a game of bowls, an event lunch and supplied ale.

The club bowls director was also glad that the honours could be translated into an expansion of the bowling club, and a swell in participation numbers.

“Success always translates into a bit more participation, and we see some more people getting involved in the club,” Antram said. “People like being involved in winning clubs and squads, so when we can keep the great results up it really gets our name out.”

“It’s always important for a club to be getting to high levels and showing that they are developing strong players that are eager to achieve, and we are doing that. We will look to build on this and continue with our strong appearances.”

The club will now turn their debut glories into more participation over the summer, including a summer barefoot bowls program, and a number of event days that will be announced by the club over the next few weeks.