Auckland retains title in thrilling Battle of the Bridge

With over 100 players, coaches, and officials converging at a single venue for the first time, the stage was set for an intense day of competition. The head-to-head showdown between Auckland and North Harbour was tightly contested with standout performances across all grades!

Auckland took a narrow three-match lead after the opening round and held onto that margin through Round 2, underscoring the evenly matched nature of the teams. The final round, featuring Pairs matches across all squads, added to the drama with 24 games up for grabs.

In the end, Auckland’s resilience retained the title and solidified their position as the team to beat in this iconic rivalry. From debuting talent to thrilling individual comebacks, the day was a celebration of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

👉 Read the full news item here

Champions brave conditions to claim
World Bowls titles 

Australian Lee Schraner claimed his second title while Auckland school teacher Milika Nathan upset defending champion Anne Nunes (USA) in wet conditions in the finals of the World Bowls Champion of Champions in Auckland today.

Nathan produced the upset of the week in edging defending champion Nunes in the women’s final while Schraner claimed the men’s title for the second time in edging out New Zealand champion Aiden Takarua in a tightly fought final 6-4 4-4.

Over 50 champion bowlers from 30 nations competed in the 22nd World Bowls Champion of Champions Singles this week. After a week of superb weather, the playoffs were a battle with the weather, with light and persistent rain throughout the day.

👉Read the story from World Bowls

Behind the scenes of international Umpiring!

Ever wondered what it takes to officiate at an international lawn bowls event? It’s more than just enforcing the rules. For the 28 dedicated Level 2 Umpires and International Technical Officials (ITOs), who gathered for the Oceania Challenge and World Bowls Champion of Champions Singles, it meant nine days of dedicated preparation, meticulous decision-making, and unwavering focus.

From early morning briefings to checking green speeds and ensuring flawless scoreboards, every day was about precision and teamwork. The Oceania Challenge demanded long hours, with officials often working late into the evening to oversee up to five rounds per day. Meanwhile, the Champion of Champions Singles required sharp attention during shorter, high-stakes matches, especially during rain-disrupted finals.

Each task, whether marking a Singles game or umpiring under challenging conditions, highlighted the resilience and expertise of these officials. The rain during the finals? Just another hurdle they overcame with grace and professionalism.

👉Read Weng Lim's account of their experience

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Bowls and banter at Community Bowls! 

-- Aggie Motu

As the curtain falls on another year of New Lynn’s Community Bowls, we can’t help but think what a fantastic six weeks we’ve had! From fierce competition to festive fun, it’s clear this group has some natural bowls stars in the making—watch out when they take the game up for real!

The action didn’t stop on Monday nights either. These legends returned every Tuesday morning for more fun and fierce matchups, keeping the green buzzing and the club thriving.

To wrap up the final evening, the Christmas spirit took over! The clubhouse dazzled with holiday decorations, setting the stage for a night of celebration. Players and spectators enjoyed a feast of hot ham and Dennis Lindsay's freshly smoked salmon—huge thanks to Dennis for not only serving up delicious kai but also stepping in to help organise teams throughout the weeks.

A special shoutout to Willie and Billy for ensuring everyone was well-fed and happy after their time on the green. Your mahi never goes unnoticed!

To our amazing bowls community, thank you for making 2024 such a fantastic year. We can’t wait to welcome you back in February 2025 for another round of laughs, bowls, and good times.

Happy holidays from all of us at New Lynn BC! 🌟

Club President’s Friends and Family Day

-- Gerard Hulst

On Sunday, 1 December the green at Carlton Cornwall Bowls came alive for the “Club President’s Friends and Family Day.” A fantastic mix of 36 seasoned bowlers and eager beginners took part in a progressive Triples competition. Two rounds were completed before the weather goddess decided to send everyone indoors—where the third round was contested in the bar, proving that bowls and banter go hand in hand!
While the competition was underway, another 34 friends and family members joined in, adding to the fun atmosphere as everyone shared stories while having a delicious lunch.
After lunch, the weather took a turn for the better, the “Family Challenge,” got underway. Teams of four played two bowls each over two ends in a format that was as exciting as it was unpredictable! From multi-generational teams to day-of adoptees, the creativity and camaraderie on display were unmatched. Special mention goes to Team Grand Dad, who managed to sneak in a sixth (secret) player—talk about strategy!
Four rounds later, everyone gathered for the much-anticipated prize-giving ceremony. Here’s how it played out:
🏆 Champions: Team Stanaway
🥇 Plate Winners: Team Ng
🎖️ Special Awards:
•    Best Junior Bowler: Averie Ng
•    Best Jack Roller: Alice van der Hulst

A huge thanks to everyone who made the day so memorable, embodying the spirit of Carlton Cornwall Bowls—community, connection, and a touch of cheeky competition!

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