Port Macquarie has won the pennant for the last three years and, in Sunday’s opening round at Camden Haven, drew four-all with Forster and Tuncurry.

Club champion John Hutchison left his form behind and, playing at No.1, he was beaten six and five by Mick Madden.

Blake Poulter (2 up), Mick Swift (4/2), Terry Davis (4/3) and Sam Johnson (1 up) all had wins.

Both Dave Bagust and Brad Hawkins were beaten at the final hole, while Graeme Ferguson lost three and one.

At Port Macquarie, Wauchope came from behind to beat Taree five matches to three and Camden Haven had the bye.

l Other divisional results:

Division two (Handicaps 8-12): Port Macquarie five d Taree one at Camden Haven.

Kevin Tipper won 1up, Mark Haverfield won 2 up, Mark Plunkett won 2 up, Michael Robinson lost 3/2, Ron McLaren won 3/2, Jeff Lynch won 7/6

Division 3 (Handicaps 13-18): Forster Tuncurry five d Port one at Taree.

Grahame Gunn lost 3/2, Geoff Staines lost 2 down, David Dale lost 5/4, Neil Stevenson lost 4/2, Darin Rounsevell won 2/1, Rick Bourne lost 6/4.

Division 4 (Handicaps 19+): Forster Tuncurry four d Port Macquarie two at Taree.

Graeme Sim won 2/1, Jack Brandwood won 3/2, Tom Appleton lost 2 down, Richard Semmence lost 1 down, Rob Lang lost 8/7, Alf Wallis lost 8/6.