The combination prevailed in an entertaining final against Hirst’s North Albury clubmates Danny Czuczman and Phil Jones, 24-18, at Albury’s Commercial Club on Sunday.

It was anyone’s game after 10 ends with the scores locked at 10-10, before Czuczman and Jones captured the lead with a single shot on the 11^th end.

However, that was the last time they would have their noses in front as Hirst and Coventry hit back with eight shots in the next three ends to lead 18-11 after 14.

Four shots in the 12^th end was followed by a single and a further three in ends 13 and 14 to open up the buffer.

The sides exchanged ends for the remainder of the contest with Hirst and Coventry picking up six shots and Czuczman and Jones snaring seven to reach the final scoreline of 24-18.

Association spokesman Lloyd Ronan was impressed with the standard of matches throughout the tournament, particularly the final.

“It was a top game,” Ronan said.

“To watch something like they displayed there, you’d have to go up to the Gold Coast to see it.

“The players from round one right through were excellent and it’s a credit to everyone that put their names in.”

The tournament changed format this year from under 45s to under 50s and was met with a great response after only two entries the previous season.

“It was a big disappointment, but we elected very late to change it this year,” Ronan said.

“We got seven sides at short notice which was really good. 

“I think next year we’ll be looking for a little bit more, so hopefully we get the interest back into it again.

“We just want to hold onto most of them next year if they’re still under 50.”

Consideration will be given to make next year’s event a 50 and under format.

The association will now break for Christmas before beginning another big summer of bowls.

Pennant season for Albury and District clubs will commence on Saturday, January 6, for grades three to six.

Grade seven couldn’t be supported this season due to low entries.

Meanwhile, semi-finals and finals for the Albury and District triples and fours will take place later in January.