Mt Albert magic at the Triples!

It was a weekend to remember at the Shade Systems Champ of Champs Triples, with Mt Albert sweeping both the men’s and women’s titles in a display of depth, dominance, and rising-star power.

From tactical masterclasses to thrilling finishes, the action across New Lynn and Remuera had it all, highlighted by a storming run from Mt Albert’s women, all 1- 5s, and a finals showdown between some of the game’s biggest names.

The men’s final featured a heavyweight clash, but it was Mt Albert who held their nerve to take the title in commanding fashion. Meanwhile, in the women’s event, a fearless 1–5 team turned heads with a breakout performance that will go down as one of the stories of the season.

With just two events to go, the race to the finish line is strong and truly on. The men’s and women’s fours are up next, followed by the season-ending mixed pairs after Matariki. Can Mt. Albert keep the momentum, or will a new contender emerge?

👉 Read the full recap. 

Extra End Hero alert!

Des Fisher has been named our first Extra End Hero, and it’s no surprise to anyone at Royal Oak Bowls!

Nominated by Sharon Collinson, Des is described as 'vital to our club' — the kind of volunteer every club dreams of. Sharon’s nomination told us just how much of a positive impact Des has made at the club. From his tireless work running the kitchen during events to his generous efforts helping recruit and welcome new members, his contributions are felt in every corner of the club.

His friendly, chatty nature and his countless hours of behind-the-scenes work help make Royal Oak the vibrant & welcoming club it is today. And of course, his legendary scones and Christmas cakes haven’t gone unnoticed either!

Congratulations, Des, and thank you for being you!

Our 'Extra End Heroes' programme is about celebrating our volunteers who go the 'extra end'. 👉 Find out how to nominate your club hero! 

Heavyweights & hopefuls go head-to-head!

This weekend, all eyes will be on the 2025 Shade Systems Champ of Champs Fours.

With centre and club glory on the line, the draw is once more stacked with star power, proven combos and a few wildcard threats ready to disrupt the books. From decorated players to in-form club units, we're expecting action from both sides of the draw.

The Auckland BC women’s quartet will look to add a trophy to their cabinet, so will Royal Oak's men, who are out to defend both their home turf and current centre title.

Meanwhile, Carlton Cornwall, Papatoetoe, Te Atatū, Ōtāhuhu, Balmoral and more are looking to create their own stories. Whether you're backing the favourites or hoping for an underdog surge, the 2025 Fours is shaping up to be an epic finale.

👉 Full preview and team breakdowns online now.

Growing the Game: A look at the numbers

Over the coming weeks, Bowls NZ will be sharing some key highlights from our bowls community — the progress we’ve made, the wins we’ve celebrated, and the momentum we’re building together! Here’s a couple of starters!

More people are discovering that bowls is a great way to connect, unwind, and have fun. This rise in social play is helping clubs grow and making the game more accessible to everyone.

From club bowler to centre stage

What’s the chance of a self-described “average bowler” lining up against three world champions — on TV, no less? Allan Blackman from Blockhouse Bay shares his experience.

I’ve played bowls for 11 years and would call myself an average club player. No club titles, no centre wins, just a few decent runs in national singles. But last December, I found myself competing alongside the world’s best at the Ultimate Bowls Championship (UBC) in Melbourne — all because I took a $50 punt and entered the wildcard draft.

That entry earned me the skip’s spot on the UBC Wildcard team and a televised match-up against legends like Alex Marshall, Aron Sherriff, and Lee Schraner. It was the bowls experience of a lifetime.

The UBC is bowls like you’ve never seen it — fast-paced, high-scoring, with a unique format and 30-second shot clocks. Think T20 cricket, but with bowls. The atmosphere was electric, with walk-on music, live-streamed matches, and an international playing field.

We may not have hit the podium, but the chance to compete at that level and be part of such a professional, world-class event was unforgettable.

For me, the biggest takeaway wasn’t just sharing the green with bowling royalty, it was proving that opportunity isn’t limited by titles or reputation. Sometimes, all it takes is putting your name forward, taking a chance, and seeing what happens!

👉Register here for the UBC draft – it might be the best $50 you ever spend.