The milestone, more than half a century in the making, was even more special for Ben Glasson with the victory their first as a partnership.

‘‘This will be one I won’t forget,’’ 16-year-old Ben said after the Glassons’ convincing 26-9 win over Albion Park duo Russell Campbell and Charlie Cheetham.

While father Steve is one of the Australia’s all-time great players and a multi-world champion, Ben is just starting his career.

Twelve months ago, the Glassons reached the South Pacific pairs final, only to be beaten by Hemi Palmer and Scott Bateup, while Steve Glasson was edged out by Matt Sergeant in the singles final.

But a year on Ben Glasson has more than held his own as the lead and was proud of his own performance.

‘‘In the sectional round, Dad probably helped us get through but as the tournament went on I was happy with how I played,’’ Ben said.

‘‘I think I held my own, which is saying something I guess, and today in the final I played my best match.’’

Steve said becoming the first father-son pairs champions was special.

‘‘There has been a lot of winners before Ben and I so it’s nice to firstly win with Ben and also to be recognised for an historic effort,’’ Steve said.

‘‘I can’t speak highly enough of how much I’ve loved playing in this tournament. It’s been a great week, everyone has been so friendly.’’

In his two previous visits to Wollongong for the South Pacific, Steve Glasson has played on finals’ day each time.

He won the singles in 2009 and last year lost in the pairs and singles deciders.

This year, as a pairs combination, the Glassons were outstanding, with Ben saying among their toughest opponent was another father-son combination Warren and Jarrod Hamilton.

‘‘They gave us a really tough match and played some great bowls,’’ Ben said.