Title favourites Ettalong were forced to work hard to beat a gallant Avoca on Saturday

TITLE favourites Ettalong claimed their third grade one pennant title in four years on Saturday, but only after a huge fight against underdogs Avoca.

John Roberts, from Ettalong versus Avoca Beach, Grade One pennant final, at Ettalong Bowling Club.

TITLE favourites Ettalong claimed their third grade one pennant title in four years on Saturday, but only after a huge fight against underdogs Avoca.

The Eagles won a thriller 60-46 in a huge day of finals at Ettalong Bowling Club.

With five ends remaining it was game on with the Eagles forced to dig deep to prevent Avoca from causing a boilover.

“With five ends to go we led 48-46, it was well and truly game on,’’ Ettalong skip John Roberts said. “They lifted and we had to pull out some big plays to win it.’’

Luke McBeatty and Harley McDonald (centre), from Ettalong versus Avoca Beach, Grade One pennant final, at Ettalong Bowling Club.

The big plays came from Roberts and fellow skip Lee Trethowan. A four from Trethowan and a five from Roberts sealed the win. Roberts’ team drew 18-18 with Tony Shoebridge, Australian ace Aron Sherriff’s team won 20-14 and Trethowan finished strongly to secure a 22-14 rink victory.

The hard-fought win means Ettalong now qualify for the State finals at Belrose in August.

Graeme Maier, from Ettalong versus Avoca Beach, Grade One pennant final, at Ettalong Bowling Club.

A crowd of more than 1000 turned out for the finals with all divisions contested on Saturday.

In grade two Wyong edged out Gosford 58-55, while Breakers downed Munmorah United in grad three.

The grade four final was one of the best of the day with Davistown pipping Halekulani 52-51, while Diggers claimed honours in grade five and Bateau Bay scored an all the way in over the fancied Ettalong in grade six with Halekulani winning grade seven.