Supposedly a purely social event, teams of four from eight clubs in the Manning District still battled over three matches and 39 ends of high class bowls to find a winner.

It was spot the celebrity, as two highly credentialed bowlers from State and national teams rubbed shoulders with our own club champions and those from other local clubs.

Only two teams won all three of their matches and in a yard stick play off to decide the winner, the four from Tuncurry Beach Club took the second position led by bowls legend and former Australian number one, Rex Johnson.

Taking the winners medals, plus meat trays, and having their names inscribed on the perpetual trophy were the four from Soldiers Point Club led by State player Terry Antram.

Both skips thanked the club and Colin and Vic Hebblewhite, for their continued sponsorship of the tournament and promised to return next year.

On Thursday, in wet weather only four matches went ahead as 22 players vied for the single prize on offer.

The trio of Jim McIntosh, Don Beaumont and Steve Brown had a 16 point, 25 to 16 shot victory over Mike Sheely, Peter Green and Bob Charman to win the prize.

On Saturday, five matches were played as 22 players again had just one prize on offer.

It was Hebby versus Hebby, as Joe and Isaac Hebblewhite joined with Colin against Steve and Victor Hebblewhite and Hebblewhite for the day, Bruce Wilson.

It was a win by Vic, Bruce and Steve by 31 to 16 shots that took the days laurels scoring 19 bonus points.

Next weekend, the third round of the mixed pairs will be played on Sunday morning at 9.30am.

Social bowls, as usual, is on Thursday and Saturday with barefoot bowls being played Friday evening at 5.30pm.