Mike Galloway recognised for outstanding service to bowls

At the Bowls Auckland AGM on Saturday 26 July, long-serving bowler and greenkeeper Mike Galloway was awarded Life Membership of Bowls Auckland.

Mike’s contribution spans over 30 years, combining elite-level performance with dedicated service to clubs as a greenkeeper and leader within the bowls community. His impressive record includes 23 Auckland Centre titles, nine national titles, five Bowls Auckland Player of the Year awards, and representation at both the Intercentre and Commonwealth Games in 2022.

Mike also serves as President of the Auckland and North Harbour Greenkeepers Association and continues to be a valued member of the Royal Oak Bowling Club. Congratulations Mike, a well-deserved recognition of your contribution to our sport.

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Auckland’s Golden Stars ⭐

As we honour Mike Galloway’s Life Membership, it’s the perfect time to look at some of Auckland’s most decorated bowlers — players who have made a lasting mark on the game through exceptional performance and consistency.

These outstanding athletes claiming five or more Auckland Centre titles to each earn coveted Gold Stars — see the individuals below ranked among the region’s top five!

North Harbour welcomes 17 new coaches

Seventeen newly accredited Foundation Coaches have joined the North Harbour coaching ranks, following a successful course delivered by Bowls Auckland.

Run over three evenings by Coach Trainers Les Eagleton and Brendon Walton, the course attracted participants from a range of clubs—all keen to support the game through quality beginner coaching.

Feedback was positive, with attendees valuing the course’s balance of practical skills and meaningful connection.

BNH Centre Manager Garth Partridge commented, “With many new coaches already looking to take the next step, the future of coaching in North Harbour looks bright.”

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Liam Hill shines at Junior Golden Nugget 

Congratulations to Liam Hill, who continues to prove himself as one of Auckland’s top young bowlers, placing a commendable fourth at the prestigious Junior Golden Nugget Singles, held at Club Tweed in Australia.

Invited to compete among the best U18 bowlers from across Australia and beyond, Liam made an immediate impression, winning all his section games to earn a semi-final spot. There, he faced defending champion Travis Moran (Warilla, NSW) in what many billed as a final. Despite a strong showing, Liam was edged out 15–21 by the experienced Aussie, who regularly trains with top internationals Aaron Teys, Cory Wedlock, and Gary Kelly. Travis went on to win the tournament.

Liam’s grandfather and mentor/coach, Neville Hill, said: “Liam’s ability to adapt to the fast Australian greens was outstanding — a skill few Kiwis his age have mastered. He has a few events coming up, including playing for Auckland U26s in the Five a Side later in August, so we hope the momentum continues.”

Neville also shared that Liam extends his thanks to Bowls Auckland, Auckland Bowling Club, and everyone who has supported him along the way.

Looking ahead — Liam alongside Davey Motu and Aiden Takarua, has been drafted to play in the Ultimate Bowls Championship (UBC) this November in Moama, Victoria.

Well done, Liam, your skill and dedication continue to make Auckland proud.

Road to Winterclub Finals

That’s a wrap on Week 3 and the final qualifying round of Winterclub! With the last bowls delivered and the standings now locked in, a huge thank you goes out to all the clubs who hosted las weekend and throughout the series. Your hospitality and smooth operations made all the difference in keeping the competition running seamlessly.

SECTION SUMMARY
Section One
Shot differential proved the deciding factor, with both Glen Eden Phoenix and St Heliers Blue finishing on 9 out of a possible 12 rink points. A massive +116 differential secured Glen Eden the top spot, 40 shots ahead of St Heliers.

A tight mid-table saw Pakuranga, Grey Lynn, and Pringle Park Thunder all finish on 7 rink points. Pakuranga just missed out on advancing, with a +24 differential, while Grey Lynn (+86) enters Flight Three, and Pringle Park Thunder (+40) heads to Flight Four.

Section Two
A strong final round from Te Atatū saw them surge from third to take the top spot with 10 rink points, edging Pringle Park Lightning, who finished close behind with 9.

A controversial Week One draw error gave Onehunga & Districts (O&D) a 0.5-point margin over fourth-placed Carlton Cornwall Tui. However, even if recorded as a loss, O&D’s impressive +80 shot differential (compared to Tui’s -35) ensured their playoff spot.

Section Three
Papatoetoe led from the front, adding another 3 rink points in Week 3 to finish with a total of 10. Epsom Eagles soared in Week 3, claiming all 4 rink points to climb into Flight Two.

Howick Hammerheads also went 4-for-4, leaping from 7th to 3rd overall. O&D Black Rays dropped one place to claim the Flight Four spot. It was heartbreak for Henderson, who were strong in the first two weeks but dropped all 4 rink points in Week 3, falling to 7th and out of the playoffs.

Section Four
Balmoral couldn’t quite complete the sweep but still secured the #1 seed with 11 out of 12 rink points. Mt Wellington handed them their only loss—a dominant 45-11 win in Round 6.

Mt Albert Blue remained unbeaten in Week 3, finishing just one rink point behind Balmoral but with a superior shot differential.

Howick Bronzies made a big final push to grab the third flight spot, while Carlton Cornwall Kererū held steady in fourth place.

🏆Finals Weekend
All eyes now turn to Remuera this weekend:

• Flights One and Two will compete under the Big Top
• Flights Three and Four take to the outdoor carpet

There's a buzz in the air and plenty of off-green banter, as each finalist backs themselves to go all the way and claim the Winterclub title and bragging rights. 

Let the finals begin!