Rain threatened to create havoc with these important matches but the greens stood up well, with the early decision to use the synthetic at Taree West being the only change. Congratulations to the greenkeepers, on producing good surfaces for play by the 216 bowlers.

Four zone titles came the Manning's way, with the three district clubs involved in the seven pennants winning at least one flag each; an excellent result. The recipients were Tuncurry winning the blue ribbon event - No 1; Pacific Palms winning the No.3 and No 7 flags; Old Bar taking home the No 6 title.

Considering the prevailing conditions in which the majority of the matches were played, the standard of bowls produced by the players and witnessed by the spectators was excellent. The tongue in cheek comment 'better them then me' was heard on many occasions but only in reference to the rain.

Turning to the games and in the No 1 final, Tuncurry defeated the highly- fancied Maitland City. The Tuncurry players certainly stood tall and gave nothing away, winning the match without having to play the last end.

In the No 2s it was a different story when Tuncurry met last year's State runners up in their final. While initially an arm wrestle, East Cessnock produced their 2008 form and won the day.

The No 3 round robin saw the highly credentialed players from Pacific Palms completely overwhelm their opponents, Cessnock City and Denman BCs, to comfortably win the flag.

Hunter district won the No 4s when Maitland Park BC defeated both Old Bar and Muswellbrook RSL in their round robin matches. Our champs put up a good fight but their opponents were better on the day.

The No 5 round robin looked like going the Manning's way, when Tuncurry jumped the Maitland City boys and led for most of the game. Unfortunately for the district champions Maitland grabbed their chances towards the end and won the game. Having learnt their lesson, they then played Merriwa, defeated them and won the flag.