Nelson Bay Bowling Club hosted a hugely successful Grade 7 State Pennant Finals last weekend, which was won by the Merimbula club over Merrylands 62-51.

The Nelson Bay Marlins team playing in front of a home crowd was knocked out of the quarter-finals by Mingara.

The victors had earlier beat Tuncurry in one semi-final, while Merrylands accounted for Mingara.

Nelson Bay's bowls development manager organiser Richard Girvan said that the Marlins were gracious in defeat but had been outclassed on the day.

"The bowlers did themselves and their club proud," he said.

Girvan said that the three days of action had provided a great spectacle for bowls enthusiasts.

"Overall it was a hugely successful weekend, with the hundreds of bowlers and their supporters enjoying some exciting bowls and fine weather," he said.

"We were particularly pleased to see the Bay community get behind the tournament and support not only the Nelson Bay team but the sport in general.

"There are just too many people for me to thank for ensuring the tournament's success."

EARLIER, FRIDAY:

All four of Nelson Bay Bowling Club's greens were in action on Friday for the start of the NSW Bowls 2019 Grade 7 State Pennant Finals.

Nelson Bay will play host to the best 16 men's bowls teams from across NSW between July 26-28.

Richard Girvan, Nelson Bay's bowls development manager, said that in addition to the 192 bowlers who will converge on to the Bay for the weekend, the tournament is expected to attract hundreds more family members, friends and supporters.

"This is the second year in a row the club is hosting a state final series in conjunction with Port Stephens Council and following on from last year's successful series, we are expecting another hugely competitive three days," he said.

"Each club will bring four teams of four players. The top two teams from each section will then compete in the quarter finals to be held on Saturday afternoon with the semi-finals and finals scheduled for Sunday.

"Of course we would like to see as many locals to come along and enjoy three days of bowls action and support the Nelson Bay team.

"Hosting a state pennant final series is a great honour for Nelson Bay and we would hope that the Bay community can get behind us."

Having won the No. 6 pennant flag last year, Nelson Bay is hoping it can go back-to-back with a No. 7 crown in 2019.

Teams playing in the finals: Penrith, Port City, Merimbula, Calrence Town, Merrylands, Kiama, Caragabal, Engadine, Coleambally, Guyra, Mingara, St Johns Park, Ballina, Harbor, Nelson Bay and Sporties Tuncurry.

Click here to see live results from the finals series.

EARLIER STORY: Bay gets a sweet taste of pennant success