Molecheck Women’s Open Singles preview

Ninety-six women from around the motu will descend on Auckland this weekend (21 and 22 September) to see who will be crowned the 2024/25 Molecheck Women’s Open Singles Champion.

The field is the most ever in the event’s history, beating the previous high of 88. Not only are the entries at an all-time high, but so is the quality of the field! With current Blackjack and NZ development players headlining the field including Ashleigh Jeffcoat, Bronwyn Stevens, Caitlin Thomson, Deb White and Leeane Poulson.

Last year’s Champion Adele Ineson of Takapuna is back to defend her crowd but faces a tough challenge in the final round of section play Saturday where she meets current New Zealand Champion of Champion singles winner Sue Hodges of the Omokoroa Club. There are several very difficult sections with some headline matches throughout the day.

Reps gear up for an epic season ahead!

Auckland’s 2024-2025 rep season is off to an exciting start, with squad members, team officials, and supporters coming together for a night full of energy and inspiration at Royal Oak. The gathering served as a launch pad for the season ahead, featuring valuable insights from top players, the intro of a fresh team culture, and a whole lot of team spirit!

From engaging Q&A sessions to an impromptu singing solo performance, the night had it all! As the teams prepare to face its first Quad fixture, Auckland is ready to "Find a Way" and make this season one to remember.

Stay tuned for match updates, player highlights, and more as we dive into what promises to be an action-packed season!

Bowls & Smiles: A memorable day for people with disabilities

World champion Tayla Bruce took centre stage at Bowls Auckland's recent "Have A Go Day" at New Lynn Bowling Club, leading an inspiring event designed for people with disabilities. With her guidance, participants from local special learning units and groups with visual impairments got their first taste of lawn bowls in a welcoming, supportive environment.

The day was filled with joy, laughter, and a strong sense of community, thanks to volunteers' dedication and celebrated athletes' presence. It was an unforgettable introduction to the sport for many. 

1-5 Fours: rising stars, thrilling matches ✨

The 1-5 Year Fours is proving to be a breeding ground for emerging talent, as demonstrated in a thrilling weekend of bowls. The event kicked off with qualifying rounds at Remuera and New Lynn Bowling Clubs, featuring 32 teams, including debutants from Mt Eden, Remuera, and Glendowie.

From nail-biting tiebreakers to surprising upsets, the competition was fierce throughout, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Glendowie made headlines with a stunning 19-9 win over Remuera in post section, but the journey there was packed with drama, skill, and some unforgettable moments. With more action set for 20 October at Carlton Cornwall Bowling Club, including the 1-5 Pairs finals, this season is heating up!

Explore the full event review to discover the rising stars, and view the results.

Celebrating 25 Years of Umpiring

Auckland umpires Joy Baughan and Les Smith have reached an incredible milestone—25 years of dedicated umpiring in the world of lawn bowls. Their unwavering commitment and love for the sport have made a lasting impact on the bowls community, both locally and internationally.

Joy reflects on her umpiring journey, filled with cherished memories and friendships formed over the years. Her career highlights include officiating at prestigious international events like the World Bowls and Asia Pacific Championships, where she proudly represented her skills on the global stage.

Les echoes similar sentiments, highlighting the numerous milestones in his umpiring career, from passing the initial exams to becoming an international umpire. His role as Chief Umpire for national championships and officiating at world events further cemented his reputation as a dedicated and highly respected figure in the sport.

Both Joy and Les encourage others to take up umpiring, giving back to the sport that has given them so much joy. Here's to their incredible 25 years of service!