The Bay’s gold division team, made up with division one players Chris Edmonds, Blake Signal, Shannon Gittoes, Richard Girvan, Jake Graham and Dave Walters, defeated Merrylands and Merimbula then Wallacia in the final to claim the win.

“It was a great win for the boys and the club,” Girvan, who is also the Bay club’s bowls development and operations manager, said. “It’s a good, fun weekend. To come home with the win is a bonus.”

The state final was held at Warilla Bowls Club, near Shellharbour, on December 2 and 3.

Nelson Bay’s team in the blue division just missed out on a finals appearance, as did Raymond Terrace’s gold division side.

The club challenge sees teams play single, pairs and triples event with results going toward a point tally.

Girvan praised Gittoes’ 21-17 victory against his Merrylands opponent in the singles. 

Gittoes showed “grit and determination” despite trailing most of the game. He never gave up, Girvan said, and eventually wore his opponent down and claimed the win.

The Club Challenge win was a first for the Nelson Bay club. The closes they have come in the past is second in the silver division in 2016.

Competition bowls will now wind down. The pennants will pick up late in April, after the Commonwealth Games.