Corrimal delivered the first upset of the new Illawarra pennant season with an opening round home victory over last season's grand finalists Dapto Citizens.
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Corrimal won 64-55 in a confidence-building performance for their new bowls co-ordinator Brett Pieper, who moved from Figgy Bowlo in the off-season.
Pieper has a new-look Grade 1 squad and will be encouraged by the fine start against the club - along with Warilla - which has dominated the top grade pennants for a decade.
Under the new simpler scoring system this season, the winning team earns two points and the loser gets no points.
Other round one matches were dominated by clubs likely to contend for the minor premiership and top four spots.
Champions Warilla thumped Towradgi Park 70-40, with the Gorillas to get even stronger with the arrival soon of the world's best player, Alex Marshall.
Wiseman Park believe they have a squad capable of challenging Warilla and began in style, with a strong 72-45 away win over promoted Windang.
Albion Park will also be in the mix for a top four spot and enjoyed an impressive 66-43 away win over Thirroul.
Finally, Figgy Bowlo made it four wins from five games for the away clubs with a 70-50 victory over Woonona last Saturday.
Figgy Bowlo will be stronger with former world champion Graeme Archer to make his pennants debut on Saturday at home to Towradgi.
In Grade 2A, Kiama began the season well with a 72-58 victory over Wiseman Park, while Fairy Meadow beat Dapto 68-51.
In Grade 2B, Figgy Bowlo beat Citos 70-60 and Warilla edged out Oak Flats 58-52.
Round two in the seven pennant grades is this Saturday.
In Grade 1, Thirroul host Dapto Citizens, Albion Park welcome Windang, Figgy Bowlo are at home to Towradgi, Wiseman Park host Woonona and, in the match of the round, Warilla are at home to Corrimal.
