Pairs set for a powerhouse weekend 

It’s week two of our centre double-header and the Pairs are full of talent and ready to deliver fast and fierce action. Participation is up again this year, and both the Men’s and Women’s fields are stacked with dangerous duos, fresh combinations, and plenty of players carrying red-hot form from last week’s Fours.

From seasoned contenders to bold new combinations, the competition promises edge-of-the-ditch battles across every section. Royal Oak, Auckland BC, Pt Chevalier, Carlton Cornwall, St Heliers and more all field line-ups capable of doing serious damage.

To add to the excitement, several clubs are riding strong momentum into the weekend, creating plenty of potential for upsets, breakout performances, and a few surprise post-section contenders. Whether it's defending champions looking to extend their legacy or new pairings eager to make their mark, every green will have a storyline worth following.

With post-section set for Mt Eden (Men) and Carlton Cornwall (Women), it’s shaping up to be a blockbuster weekend. Good luck to all teams — may the bowls run true!

👉Read the full preview

Waiheke BC marks 80 years! 

Waiheke Bowling Club reached a major milestone this week, celebrating an impressive 80 years of bowls, community spirit, and island ingenuity.

What began in 1945 as a scrub-covered hillside cleared by hand has grown into one of Waiheke’s most cherished community hubs. Yesterday’s anniversary tournament brought together 16 teams from across the region (and a hardy crew from One Tree Point!) to honour the people, stories, and sheer grit that shaped the club over eight remarkable decades.

Warm hospitality, great company, local wines, and three competitive games set the scene for a fitting birthday celebration. Northland’s team, skipped by Skye Renes, topped the table, with Bowls Auckland and Mt Albert close behind. There was even a light-hearted twist when Bowls Auckland’s Brendon Walton not only claimed second place but also won the raffle — much to everyone’s amusement.

Above all, the day recognised the volunteers, visionaries, fundraisers, and characters who built and sustained the club through changing times, island challenges, and countless working bees. Their legacy still echoes the original 1945 motto: “It is not how we won or lost, but how we played the game.”

A huge congratulations to Waiheke Bowling Club on 80 extraordinary years — here’s to many more on the greens!

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From Phoenix heat to TV rinks! Inside the USA Open

-- Gerard Hulst

I headed to this year’s Bowls USA Open wearing three hats: Convenor, Umpire and Player, and came away inspired, sun-kissed and a little Dos Equis-fuelled.

From a Convenor’s view, the USA Open is a seven-day machine. Men’s disciplines span Fours, Pairs and Singles with full qualifying rounds, ranked flights and knockout finals. Around 12 greens across seven venues keep things moving, and every result is tracked through a well-run Excel/Google Docs system. “No photo = no money” is a policy they stick to.

Umpire-wise, each venue had an organiser on the cards, an umpire on the green, and long tapes at both ends so players measured their own short jacks. No laser measures in sight.

As a player, I teamed up with my Carlton Cornwall mate David Ball, with his wife Blythe as our manager. We entered all three disciplines, determined to improve on last year. After a couple of practice days adjusting to the slower 12–14 second greens, I proudly carried the NZ flag at the opening ceremony, a real highlight.

In the Fours, we qualified for the top flight and finished sixth after an unforgettable win on the TV rink. Pairs saw us into the seventh-flight finals and into the money again. Singles was a grind: I finished 4–4, just missing qualification, while David stormed into Flight 1. He drew the top seed and eventual champion, tough luck but great bowling to watch.

Beyond the competition, the hospitality, banter and sheer enthusiasm of the local bowls community made the trip unforgettable.

Biggest thrill: winning on the TV rink. 
Biggest disappointment: United Airlines. Enough said.

As Arnie says... I’ll be back!

Bowling club marks start of canopy’s construction

The sod has been turned on a major new project to improve the home of east Auckland’s Howick Bowling Club.

A building consent has been approved and a contract signed with groundworks and the construction of its new canopy now under way.

👉Read full Eastern Times article

From Taylor Bowls New Zealand

Christmas is approaching quickly! 
We are proud of our ongoing partnership with Bowls Auckland, and thanks to this collaboration, bowlers across the region benefit directly. As a valued member of our community, you’re getting an early preview of next week’s announcement — along with a head start on the savings.

Exclusive Offer
Use promo code BAKL10 at checkout to receive 10% off any purchase on our website. Yes — anything, including a brand-new set of bowls. Enjoy the savings and happy shopping!

Not sure what to ask for this Christmas?
Or perhaps the kids are asking, “What would you like this year, Mum/Dad?”
A new Taylor Tourer Bag could be the perfect answer.

Highly regarded for its style, generous storage, and long-lasting durability, the Taylor Tourer Bag remains one of our most popular choices — and it’s available in all four colours… at least for now. These bags traditionally sell out in the lead-up to Christmas, so we encourage you to secure yours early and avoid the seasonal courier delays.

Available Colours
🔵 Blue ⚪ Silver 🟣 Maroon 🟢 Lime Green

Key Features

• Smooth, retractable handle for effortless transport

• Two individual 2-bowl cases included

• Spacious main compartment suitable for bowls, shoes, and accessories

• Robust, high-quality construction designed for performance on the green

Don’t wait — visit www.taylorbowls.co.nz to order now and get ahead of the Christmas rush.

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