BOWLS
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They won the Illawarra Grade 5 final in extraordinary circumstances and now Helensburgh bowlers are preparing for an emotional farewell to pennants in partnership with Scarborough Wombarra at the state finals in August.
Helensburgh bowlers haven't used their own green since February and linked up with neighbours Scarborough BC to borrow their green and play together in Illawarra Zone 16 pennants this season.
As Helensburgh Scarborough Wombarra they went on to win the Grade 5 pennant flag and will head to Tamworth for the state finals in the biggest weekend for club bowlers.
The team includes 10 Helensburgh players and two players from Scarborough with the linking of resources working well in difficult circumstances.
"The land and green at Helensburgh were sold on February 22 and the bowls side of things came to a close," Helensburgh Bowling Club's chairman of selectors and club official Paul Keyes said.
"We were fortunate enough to get support from Scarborough and able to use their green for pennants and practice. We're over the moon how the season has turned out."
After reaching the Grade 5 semis the club lost to Albion Park 65-46 in the major semi-final but booked a spot in the grand final against the Park with a 68-55 win over Warilla in the qualifying final.
The grand final against Albion Park at Warilla BC was a classic and arguably the standout match of all the grand finals in the seven grades.
Both clubs had chances to clinch the pennant flag with Helensburgh Scarborough Wombarra killing the final end leaving the match locked at 61-61 after 63 ends.
Helensburgh Scarborough Wombarra then held their nerve under enormous pressure to win the flag with a three on the first extra end.
"After all the club and players have been through it's a huge effort to be off to the finals," Keyes said.
And now the hard work really begins, organising transport, time off from work and ensuring the squad is available for four days away in Tamworth.
The state finals in grades 1-7 are on August 9-11, with the champion Illawarra teams facing more travel this year.
Windang won two grades but also face the longest trips with their Grade 6 team heading to Ballina, and Grade 2 side off to Port Macquarie.
"It's a big job getting it all together but we're excited to be representing Illawarra in such a big event," Keyes said.
"We've got a pretty good side and if we put it all together ... who knows?"