Centre Pairs set for a thrilling finish

The Centre Pairs are down to the sharp end, and both competitions have delivered quality bowls, surprise results and plenty of talking points.

In the women’s event, four strong combinations remain. Teinaki & Taylor have surged into form, last year’s finalists Ralph & Cheng are back on familiar ground, Bien & Longney continue their excellent fours momentum, and Reihana & Hakaraia have made waves with big wins over the defending champions and quarter-final challengers.

The men’s field is proving just as exciting, with a mix of seasoned contenders and breakthrough performers. Arnerich’s impressive run has been one of the stories of the tournament, while Harrison & Kirwan maintain their reputation for going deep. The quarter-final line-up looks fierce, with the Cottrell–Grantham showdown tipped as the match to watch.

👉 Read the full recap and insights

Centre Finals: Who will claim glory?

Finals Day is set to deliver a full slate of action this Saturday, 6 December, with the Centre Finals running alongside the Centre Fours at Pt Chevalier, or New Lynn if the weather intervenes. With several players competing in both disciplines, the schedule has been extended to ensure all fixtures can be completed.

We encourage spectators to come along and enjoy a day packed with high-quality bowls. Pt Chevalier will once again serve their well-loved $15 buffet lunch, available to players and visitors... perfect for keeping the energy up as the tension builds.

Best of luck to all remaining competitors. We’re expecting tight score lines, composed performances, and a fitting crescendo to this year’s Centre Finals. 

⬇️See Finals Match Schedule...

Jack's vs Kitty's Challenge debut

The new Jack’s vs Kitty’s Challenge made an exciting debut at Royal Oak on Wednesday night, giving both squads a sharp and competitive tune-up before Sunday’s Battle of the Bridge.

The Jacks came out firing across pairs, fours, and a rapid-fire singles round, while the Kittys delivered their own standout moments, including some brilliant late-end shot-making.

What stood out most was the energy on the green, lively banter, tight finishes, and a genuine sense of occasion as all the squads came together in this new internal showdown. From clutch conversions to last-minute heroics, the evening offered a preview of the intensity we can expect this weekend.

It was the men who ultimately claimed the honours in this first hit-out but the full story has plenty of twists, tight finishes, and impressive performances from both sides.

👉 Catch the full recap

Battle of the Bridge heads to Browns Bay

The much-anticipated annual Battle of the Bridge is back this Sunday at Browns Bay, as Auckland and North Harbour go head-to-head in a classic cross-harbour showdown. Known for centre pride, tight finishes, and rivalry, this fixture never fails to deliver.

Auckland’s squad comes into this contest supported by a refreshed performance programme that has included a series of training and testing opportunities along the way. The squad is a strong blend of experience, emerging talent, and proven performers across all disciplines.

For many players, this fixture is a key marker in the representative calendar. It provides a valuable mid-season opportunity to apply training under genuine pressure. It’s a chance to check-in ahead of Octagonal tournaments and ultimately, Inter Centre early next year.

Supporters, whānau and friends can expect a full day of competitive bowls, exciting match-ups, and plenty of moments that define this annual clash.

Best of luck to all players selected to wear their centre colours this Sunday. Go well and represent with pride. 💙

Lilly & Anas win College Sport awards!

Bowls is back in the spotlight at the College Sport Auckland YSPOTY Awards, with Auckland Girls’ Grammar’s Lilly Wesche named the 2025 Female Lawn Bowls winner — the first bowls recipient in 10 years.

Joining her on the honours list is Avondale College’s Anas Zara, awarded the 2025 Male Lawn Bowls title after a standout season and continued development through coaching at New Lynn.

A huge congratulations to both athletes. The future of our sport is in great hands!

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CASS Learners enjoy a morning on the greens

New Lynn Bowling Club warmly welcomed students from Central Auckland Specialist School (CASS) and their partner schools for a morning of bowls, teamwork, and connection.

Now in its second year, the session showed how much confidence and familiarity the students have gained. Smiles were instant, friendships picked up where they left off, and the greens quickly became a space where everyone felt at ease.

Students played three short games, supported each other throughout, and shared a morning tea thoughtfully prepared by Lynfield College.

Teachers told us the impact was clear. One student said, “I will never forget this day,” and another, usually selective mute was buzzing about his experience all afternoon.

These moments remind us what bowls can offer: confidence, communication, and a sense of belonging. We look forward to building on this partnership with more sessions in Term 1 next year.