A group of Illawarra bowlers has created history by becoming the first team to claim back-to-back NSW Junior Intercentre titles earlier this month.
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The team from Shellharbour Tenpin Bowl successfully defended the crown they won in 2018 at the state finals in Wetherill Park, edging Lidcombe in the final.
The squad was made up of Jake Donnelly, Khai Horsfall, Jordan O'Nains and Michael Lane, with Donnelly returning from last year's winning side.
Shellharbour Tenpin Bowl centre manager Janet Hunt said it was a fantastic achievement from all involved.
"It's a massive achievement," Hunt said.
"It's the first time in NSW Intercentre history a team from a centre has gone back to back.
"It's a big credit to the kids, they've put in the hard work at training throughout the year, they showed up on the day, bowled well and came out champions.
"They were all very pumped to win the competition."
The winning Shellharbour side was one of two from the club to progress to the state finals, with a second team earning a wildcard entry.
The squad was made up of Aleisha McGarry, Max Glastras, Teleah Sok and Zane Rahim.
Playing over two days, the teams contested pool rounds on the opening day of competition before the finals on day two.
The top Shellharbour squad was second after the pool stages and progressed through to a sudden-death semi-final against Orange. The second team finished fifth in their pool.
After a tense semi-final, Shellharbour prevailed to book a date with a talented Lidcombe side.
Lidcombe were the favourites, having topped the pool stages.
The match was another nail biter, with both teams producing some of their best bowling of the weekend. Ultimately Shellharbour took out the win, claiming an 896-886 victory.
The club also achieved individual success with McGarry winning highest female scratch score prize.
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