It's winter, but you can still play & enjoy bowls!
Did you miss our last issue of our Friday Flash...
IT'S HOW WE ROLL...
Working with our communities
Blockhouse Bay is a club that believes in giving back to the community. Every Tuesday, they host a small group of young people (along with their support workers of course) from Ember. Ember is a personal focus service group that brings together people from all walks of life to connect as a community and seek wellness.
Lawn bowls has been a lot of fun for the group - the game has given them the confidence to try something new. The guidance of Malcolm and Allan has been a huge booster for everyone, passing on the techniques of bowling while creating a love for the game. After bowls, it's time to get together to share their experiences both on and off the green over a hot drink.
"The group always feels welcome, and the club has become a safe space for everyone to share and grow within. A huge thank you to Blockhouse Bay Bowling Club for allowing us this opportunity, in particular to Malcolm and Allan for their continual aroha and support,” says Josh Wood, Programme Facilitator at Ember Korowai Takitini.
2022 Commonwealth lead coach named
Bowls NZ has announced Mike Kernaghan as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games campaign Lead Coach.
That's great news, congratulations Mike - read more here.
The definition of...
there's a clown at every club
A man took his 8-year-old son to the bowling club for 'take your kid to bowls day'. As they were walking around the club the man noticed that his son was not impressed and was becoming more and more cranky.
When they got to a large group of bowlers enjoying a drink between games the kid finally broke out crying.
One of the bowlers asked the boy "what's the matter little fella?" to which the boy then sobbed out "where are all the clowns daddy said he bowled with?"
Image source: Ako's Cartoons
WHAT'S COMING UP...
Auckland Originals
off to grand final
Good luck to Maria, Bevan & Neville who compete in the National Bowls3Five finals in Naenae this weekend.
Bowls NZ had a great article about this team - click here to read.
The Auckland Originals team from Auckland Bowling Club fended off challenges from Coromandel and Waikato in the regional playoffs to secure their place as finalists.
Let's not forget Royal Oak Rockets - their 2020 relegation 8th placing has given them a chance in the playoffs.
Matches are being televised live on Sky Sport Next and the semi-finals and finals on Sky Sport 58.
WinterClub
We've got winter and interclub all rolled into one neat event - it's WinterClub... bring it on!
Check out the Conditions of Play it has been updated to reflect one side of two teams of four players. You will need a minimum of eight people to enter the competition.
NEWS FROM THE GREEN...
Epsom's Gold Cup
Among the bowling fraternity, Epsom's Gold Cup is a well-known annual event that has been played since its inception in the 1950s. This prestigious event is played over two days and is always keenly contested by bowlers from many clubs.
At the 1956 Epsom Bowls Golden Jubilee, the Gold Cup was presented to Epsom Bowls by the then President HG Beechey, who was once Auckland’s Deputy Mayor during the early fifties. He represented the City of Auckland at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and while in London for the Coronation purchased the Gold Cup.
In 1981, the Club’s 75th anniversary, the Beechey Plate for the runners-up was donated to the club by Geoffrey and Eileen Bethell in memory of Mrs Bethell’s father, Bob Beechey.
In 2020 and due to Covid-19, it's the first time the event has not been played! So all were relieved the 2021 Epsom Gold Cup was held over Queen's Birthday weekend. Despite forecasts of gloom and doom the weather held out sufficiently to have all games played with minimal interruptions.
As with any successful event, a big thanks is given to all the participants and volunteers and especially to sponsors David Funerals.
Gold Cup winners: The undefeated team from Pringle Park - Marty Griffiths, Andy Ellis (S) & Wayne Ruka.
Plate winners: Dennis Bawden, Brendan Kelly (S) & Craig Harold from Te Atatu.
Both winners had their trophies presented by sponsor Bob Russell.
1-5 Year winter coaching
Auckland Bowling Coaches Association (ABCA)
will be running 1-5 Year winter coaching at five zones around Auckland this June.
Check out the zone closest to you and book your coaching session...
Share your story
Help us share stories about our bowling community by contributing to Friday Flash.
Have you got a story to tell or news on an event, club member or a player? Send us your news, views, photos, or videos. We don't want you to miss out... so team managers, club secretaries, event coordinators, coaches, players - we're giving you the chance to do just that.
Kaua e whakamā - don't be shy! Simply hit the 'share your story' button.
Club events
Winter is not an excuse not to play bowls.
Our clubs host a variety of events that will fit all levels of ability and lifestyle and weather! Simply contact a club close to you.
Click here to view club events.
