But for one bowler its 86-57 grand final win over Warrnambool Gold at Timboon on Tuesday capped off a stunning return.

Lead Dorothy Gleeson missed last year's premiership after taking a season off for family reasons.

"I was babysitting my grandson in Perth for all of November (2017) so I didn't commit to pennant last year," she said.

The mother-of-four and grandmother-of-six said she was happy to be back on the greens.

"'Are you going to bowls again' my grandson says," Gleeson joked.

"It fills up a lot of time and the social aspect of it is very good."

City Memorial Gold had Warrnambool Gold's measure throughout the season and that formline stretched to the decider.

City Gold's rinks, with Barbara Bibby (35-19), Val Hassel (22-18) and Kaye Maddern (29-20) as skippers, proved too strong.

But Gleeson, 72, said Warrnambool Gold pushed her team until the final end.

"It is always tough playing Warrnambool, it's never in the bag, they always keep plugging away," she said.

It was a case of redemption in division two with Warrnambool Blue beating City Memorial Blue.

It came 12 months after falling to the same side in the grand final.

Warrnambool Blue skipper Liz Lenehan said the 79-59 win was a thrill.

"It was absolutely fabulous because the same side thrashed us last year," she said.

"The association has the final on a rotating basis and last year we played City on their green which gave them an advantage but they outplayed us on the day.

"This year was neutral and we were able to get there."

Lenehan, 70, said Warrnambool Blue finished atop the ladder because it played as a cohesive unit.

"We've all supported each other and it's worked really well," she said.

Division three was the closest of the three pennant finals and was the last to finish.

A big crowd watched as City Memorial Red hung on against Port Fairy Red, winning 46-44.

The game hung in the balance until the final end.

At 78, Beryl Oakley, a bowler with 30 years' experience, said it meant a lot, particularly for the team's inexperienced players.

"One of our girls (Jenny Moloney), it was her first season so it was wonderful for her," she said.

"It could be my last season. If health prevails I'll be trying (to play on)."

Mortlake pipped Cobden by four shots in the overs 60s grand final.

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