BOWLS
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Woonona and Corrimal claimed vital first wins of the season, while leaders Dapto Citizens edged out Wiseman Park in last Saturday's round-five thriller in Grade 1 Illawarra pennants.
In the closest round this season, the bottom two clubs Corrimal and Woonona won their 63-end matches by just two shots, while Dapto Citizens put a dent in Wiseman Park's bid for a top-two finish with a two-rinks-to-one 56-55 victory.
There would have been relief for promoted Woonona, who hadn't won a rink heading into round five, but beat fellow strugglers Thirroul 62-60 (5-1).
Woonona's Jim Tully skipped his rink to a 21-16 win over Anthony Jones, while Warren Hamilton was victorious against Vic Koltovski 27-21.
Thirroul's Paul Robertson beat Woonona's John Ritchie 23-14 to ensure a tight result overall.
While Woonona remain last they are just a half point behind Thirroul and a point behind Corrimal, in what is expected to be the relegation battle over the final few rounds.
Corrimal also celebrated their first win with a gutsy 57-55 (5-1) triumph away to Albion Park.
It was the first match for Corrimal without their top bowler Eric Johannes, who has joined Zone 7 club Malua Bay as their bowls co-ordinator.
Eric's son Kyle skipped Corrimal to a 20-18 win over John Ferguson, while Jack Forbes (Corrimal) beat Dean Aitken 23-16.
Albion Park's Ian Barrett beat Paul Sweeny 21-14 to earn a point for his side.
Dapto Citizens and Warilla have shared in the past six Grade 1 pennant titles and are likely to again fight out the minor premiership after wins in round five.
Citos won a tense clash away to Wiseman Park 56-55 (5-1), while Warilla were too strong for Figtree RSL, winning 73-55 (6-0).
For Dapto Citizens, Steve Green beat Rob Warren 22-20, and Ben Ford had a 19-12 victory over Steve Haines.
Wiseman Park's Shane Garvey beat Zoran Bosev 23-15, but Citos had won two rinks and importantly by a single shot (56-55) overall.
Towradgi made it two straight wins by beating Shellharbour 56-46 (6-0).
After being near the bottom of the table just a couple of weeks ago, Towradgi are now fifth and just a point behind equal third-placed Wiseman Park and Figtree RSL.
In this Saturday's round six, Dapto Citizens host Albion Park, Towradgi host Woonona, Figtree RSL are at home to Thirroul and Corrimal host Shellharbour.
With NSW star Garvey in Tasmania for the Australian All Sides Championship, Wiseman Park's round-six away clash with Warilla has been rescheduled to round 10 on May 10.
The washed out round two in all grades will be played on Sunday, April 29.
Grade 1 ladder: Dapto Citizens 20; Warilla 18; Wiseman Park 14, Figtree RSL 14; Towradgi 13; Shellharbour 12.5; Albion Park 12; Corrimal 6; Thirroul 5.5; Woonona 5.