The Port Fairy stage was set for a tight tussle between the two pennant stalwarts.

Both sides lived up to expectations on the green.

While City Memorial went into the match as favourite to retain the association trophy, Warrnambool had other ideas and trounced the reigning premier 92-78.

Triumphant skipper Paul O’Donnell said his rink was leading Peter Pangrazio all day to earn a 25-16 win.

“There were a bit of nerves but you try and treat it like any other game,” he said.”

“But we got off to a good start and when you get off to a good start it really helps.

“Our main aim was to be up after the first five ends.”

Doug Anderson led for O’Donnell, followed by Robbie Bell and Ken Bell.

O’Donnell said his rink adapted to the green before its opponents.

“We drew better and we handled the green better,” he said.

“We got out to a 14-shot lead and were holding that until the last end when we dropped four.

“It was a pretty hard day but it was a good effort.”

However, the decider was not all smooth sailing for the victors.

Warrnambool’s John Leishman drew with Peter Maddern 19-19 and City Memorial’s Ray Hoy defeated Kevin Boyd 25-18.

Brian Lenehan held the fort for Warrnambool by blitzing Kevin McMahon 30-18.

“We just had to look across the other rinks to make sure we were maintaining the lead,” O’Donnell said.

“We didn’t know until the 95th end that we were home and hosed.”

Around 200 people sat green-side as Warrnambool reclaimed the WDBA honours in “perfect bowling conditions”.

In the division two showdown, Dennington White defeated Koroit Blue 68-76.

St John’s Gold, 75, was too good for Dennington Blue, 66, in division three, while Koroit White narrowly overcame City Memorial Orange 45-43 in division four.