Wayne played lead for Andrew in the Lambton quartet that claimed the Newcastle district fours championship, as well as the Newcastle district and NSW No.2 grade pennant crowns this year.

They have become like brothers in arms on the green since joining forces at Waratah in 2003 and have a tremendous respect for each other's ability.

"I wouldn't want another lead," Andrew said.

"While I rate Owen Jefferson as the best lead in Newcastle, Wayne is not far behind at this stage, and with a little more consistency, which he will soon get from the tuition he is receiving on a weekly basis from new Lambton coach Bob Fishlock, it won't be long before he is as good."

Wayne has the same glowing praise of Andrew as a skipper.

"Andrew is an outstanding skipper. That is his position," he said.

"He is very positive in the way that he calls a head and pumps his players up, and he will never die wondering."

The Smiths first tasted success in the Hemson Vincer triples at Waratah in 2004 with John Parkinson playing in the middle.

"Actually it was through Parko [John Parkinson] how we first met," Andrew said.

"Wayne was Parko's fishing partner and best mate while I was going out with Parko's daughter Felicity, who is now my wife.

"Wayne and I clicked immediately on the green and as well as our Hemson Vincer successes, we also won the fours championship in Waratah in 2007 prior to our success at Lambton this year.

"Also with Parko and Jason Pietraszek we won our second successive Mattara men's open fours on Friday."

But their pennant performance this year with Barry Hewart playing second and Craig Thompson as the third deserves special mention.

They only lost one of their 12 matches in winning the Newcastle district pennant title, then at the state play-offs they won their five matches by a combined margin of 71 shots.

But the Smiths will not be resting on their laurels.

"There is still a lot to do yet," Andrew said.

"We have the Newcastle district champion of club champion fours title in September and then the NSW fours championship in October.

"The Newcastle District Bowler of the Year title is shaping up as one of the tightest contests in recent years and any points gained from either event will be vital.

"And a win, well that will cap off what has been an outstanding year."