Bronze for Auckland’s U26s in Wellington

--Kevin Beasley

Auckland’s U26 team has returned from Wellington with a bronze medal at the National U26 Five-a-Side, improving on last season’s fourth-place finish.

The team topped its section, dropping just one game before recording convincing wins over Bay of Plenty, Taranaki and the Nomads. One of the highlights was a standout pairs victory from Adam Bulcher and Hannah Dawson, who defeated BlackJacks Briar Atkinson and Camron Horo, 16–11.

A tough semi-final loss to Canterbury ended Auckland’s shot at the title, but the team bounced back in style to defeat Wellington 2–0 and secure third place.

With Bowls New Zealand U26 selectors watching throughout the tournament and the next squad set to be named next month, it was a strong showing from Auckland’s next generation bowl. A huge effort from the whole team. Bronze in Wellington and plenty to build on! 💙 

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(Event photos courtesy Bowls Wellington)

Helping bowlers go further!

We’re delighted to welcome The Mortgage Supply Co to the Bowls Auckland family as a new partner of our Representative Programme.

With a people-first approach and a strong connection to the bowls community, The Mortgage Supply Co will help support opportunities for our representative bowlers to develop, compete and proudly represent Auckland.

It’s a partnership that’s set to support our bowlers both on and off the green  and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead.

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Winter Coaching wraps up on a high!

-- Les Eagleton

Another successful Winter Coaching Programme has come to a close, with players from across Auckland joined by bowlers from Counties Manukau and North Harbour to put their newfound skills to the test at the Canoe, Campi and ABCA events.

This season saw some positive changes introduced, including five training zones operating from covered greens, allowing the six-week programme to roll on whatever the winter weather had in store. New faces also joined the Zone Convenor team, helping deliver hands-on coaching closer to home for bowlers across the region.

Winter Coaching concluded with a fantastic series of events. South East went back-to-back in the Campi, South claimed a memorable Canoe victory, and 44 teams took to the greens for a record-breaking ABCA Cup, requiring an extra green to accommodate the field.

But while the tournaments provide a fitting finale, the real success of Winter Coaching starts well before the first event bowl is played. Across five zones, players took part in Saturday training sessions designed to develop skills, build confidence and provide meaningful competitive opportunities.

A huge high-five and thank you goes to our Zone Convenors and the many coaches, experienced players and volunteers who supported the programme each week. Their time, energy and willingness to share their knowledge are what make Winter Coaching possible.

Thank you also to the tournament convenors, umpires and host clubs who played an important part in bringing the Canoe, Campi and ABCA events to life. Together, their efforts helped turn six weeks of winter coaching into a fantastic programme of development, competition and connection.

Well done to all the players who took part. We hope the skills, confidence and experience gained over winter carry through into a successful summer season.

Brack defends ABCA Cup title

Mt Wellington’s Sam Brack has gone back-to-back, successfully defending the ABCA Cup title as skip of his East Zone team at the pinnacle event of the Winter Coaching Programme.

Joined by John Mulka, Warren Stephens and Ngaire Russell, Brack’s side finished the day unbeaten on 12 points and 28 ends won – a standout achievement in a competition where every end counts.

It was a tight finish, with all six prizewinning teams completing the day undefeated. Counties Manukau’s G Mitchell finished second, while East continued its strong showing with Crawford Blair third and Katy Merrett fourth.

A big thank you to Howick and Pakuranga for once again hosting a fantastic day of bowls, and to Leon Chapman, outgoing President of the Auckland Bowls Coaches Association, for presenting the trophy and recognising the event’s proud history.

With the ABCA Cup wrapped up, the Winter Coaching Programme takes a well-earned breather before the focus shifts to the representative season ahead.

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Let's celebrate the Volunteers Who Go the Extra End!
Bowls clubs wouldn’t be the same without dedicated volunteers working behind the scenes. 

Do you know someone who is...
✅ A club hero who goes the extra end, no matter the task
✅ A good sort whose energy and commitment inspire others
✅ A local legend making a real impact on or off the green

👉Here's where you can nominate your Extra End Hero today!