BOWLS
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Newcastle claimed a thrilling countback victory over Illawarra in the annual Howard Shield representative match at Albion Park Bowling Club.
The two associations have been fighting for the shield since 1962 but this year produced the closest contest, with the match finishing in a 140-140 shot draw.
Newcastle was declared the winner on a countback after winning 74 ends to Illawarra's 73.
The Shield honours Vi Howard, a former Woonona ladies bowls president who organised a representative match between traditional steel city neighbours Newcastle and Illawarra at Woonona BC in 1962.
The match featured seven games of fours played over 21 ends.
Illawarra's Leone Barnett and Julea Morgan skipped their teams to big wins for Illawarra, with Dianne Price and Rosetta Ryan the big winners for Newcastle.
With most rinks decided by only a handful of shots, Illawarra ladies president Thelma Lever and her Newcastle counterpart Helen Abbott congratulated the players on a tremendous day of high quality bowls.