HAMILTON president John Carmody will be the only previous winner contesting this year's Newcastle district champion of club pairs champions title when it kicks off on Sunday morning.

Carmody, who won the title in 2006, is leading for Doug Howard, and they meet Wayne Coulter and Ross Dennett (Swansea Workers) in the opening round at Raymond Terrace.

Also in the field are two father-and-son combinations and one set of brothers.

Les Pyke and his son Chad (Windale Gateshead) meet Brett Waugh and Jack Littlewood (Redhead) in a first-round encounter at Raymond Terrace, while Charlestown father-and-son duo Ian and Corey Nickalls meet Shane Evans and Lennon Scott in an opening-round match at Beresfield.

Brothers Scott and Matthew Baus (Swansea) are opposed to Keith Irwin and Glen Nix (Heaton Birmingham Gardens) in the first round at Raymond Terrace.

[PI9017] The Newcastle district three-threes competition will get under way this afternoon with defending No.1 grade champions Charlestown facing off against Wallsend at Wallsend.

Marks Point open the defence of their No.2 grade title against Swansea Workers at Swansea Workers, and Water Board No.1, who were winners in No.3 grade last year, play Adamstown at Adamstown in that grade.

The Newcastle District Bowling Association's decision to delay the competition, which usually started in June, has paid dividends.

There are 98 teams taking part in the three grades 13 more than last year and the No.1 grade has increased from 15 to 20 sides.

[PI9017] Heaton Birmingham Gardens women unfurl their Newcastle district No.2 grade pennant tomorrow morning.

It is the first pennant won by the club in 34 years.

The victory by Helen Carter, Marie Williamson, Menka Weddell, Wendy Adamson, Gay Robertson, Eileen Campbell, Norma Hugo and Phyllis Haworth caps a resurgence for the club.

They were only elevated back into the No.2 grade in 2005 after having been relegated almost a decade earlier.

[PI9017] Stewart Fogarty claimed the Charlestown minor singles championship with a 31-23 victory over Bob Brydon.

[PI9017] Former world No.1 David Holt will be giving a bowls demonstration at Charlestown on Monday from 1pm.

Holt will be discussing the finer points of the game, and all are welcome to try their hand with a number of sets of bowls that he will have on display.

[PI9017] Nominations close next Wednesday for the Newcastle district champion of club fours champions competition, which is scheduled to get under way on September 20.