Wellington's next-gen stars claim U26 gold

Some of the country’s brightest young talent was on show at Mt Eden over the weekend, with 36 players contesting the St George National Under 26 Pairs across two days of high-quality competition.

A strong field featuring several premier players set the tone early, with tight opening-round clashes and consistent performances required to push into the championship top eight. The format tested adaptability as much as skill, with quick turnarounds and green changes keeping players on their toes.

Finals day delivered another lift in intensity. In a standout semi-final, Wellington’s James-Cameron Powell and Taui White came from behind to edge defending champions Hannah Dawson and Henrietta Scott 16–13, while Camron Horo and Briar Atkinson proved too strong in their semi.

The final, however, belonged to Powell and White. Growing in confidence, the pair took control early and never let up, with White dictating the head superbly. They powered to a commanding 17–4 win over the Blackjacks combination to secure the title. In the consolation event, Jackson Haynes (Mt Eden) and Daniel Chivers (Balmoral) impressed with three wins to take top honours.

Beyond the results, the event highlighted the depth of emerging talent in the game, reinforcing the importance of these opportunities in the player pathway.

A big thanks to Mt Eden and all volunteers who made the event possible—and congratulations to all involved. The future of bowls is in great hands.

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In case you missed the broadcasts!

Bowls & Whānau: Where Community Comes to Play

Sunday’s Family Roll Up Day delivered a real festival vibe, with more than 80 people coming through Mt Eden Bowls to soak up the atmosphere and get involved.

Families from the local neighbourhood and across Auckland, many of them first-timers, came along to see what bowls is all about. The day showcased just how fun and accessible the game is – truly a sport for everyone. From getting out on the green to enjoying the activities on offer, it was a great chance to experience the welcoming club environment and strong community connections.

Running alongside the St George National Under 26 Pairs, it also highlighted the sport’s youthful energy, with top young talent on show inspiring the next generation.

A great day, great turnout, and plenty of smiles, exactly what it’s all about 🩵

Rangatahi Roll Up Continues to Pop!

Tuesday’s event saw 200+ students from 22 schools take to the greens across Mt Eden and Remuera, with both Championship and Development grades in action.

It’s the result of a big term of rangatahi mahi - delivering flexible ways for students to get involved through schools, clubs, and competition.

From in-school sessions to after-school hubs, the growth has been huge, and it showed, with record entries and packed greens.

A massive shout out to College Sport Auckland for their continued partnership in delivering the event, and to the schools and clubs helping make it all happen.

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Eastern Bays Classic

-- Paula Kempthorne

What a beautiful autumn day for the Eastern Bays Classic, St Heliers Bowling Club hosted Remuera, Glendowie and Kohimarama. Proudly supported by Barfoot & Thompson – Mission Bay, this long-standing event once again delivered tight contests and great club spirit.

After the first two rounds of Pairs, St Heliers held a narrow 15-point lead over Remuera, but with plenty of points still up for grabs in the Fours, it was anyone’s title. Kohimarama made a strong push, winning three of their four games to bank 30 points, while Remuera was looking at two wins and St Heliers with one. It all came down to a nail-biter between St Heliers Blue and Remuera Green, with St Heliers edging it by just one shot.

That result proved decisive, allowing St Heliers to retain the trophy for another year. Remuera claimed second on ends countback, with Kohimarama close behind.

Team results:
1st – St Heliers Blue (Rudi Barreto, Donna Davison, Pauline Campbell, Michael Gibson)
2^nd – Remuera Gold (Paul Elsmore, Kevin Bowdler, Mark Barrett, Phil Evans)
3rd – Glendowie Green (John Amodeo, Craig Wilson, Colin Donald, Shaun Tipler)

The Fours consolation prize went to St Heliers Red.

A big thanks to sponsors Barfoot & Thompson–Mission Bay, and to the many club members who helped make the day run like clockwork, another top edition of this Eastern Bays favourite.

Good Luck!

Men's Singles and Women's Triples
Some familiar faces might be missing, but that won’t stop the action or the competitive spirit! Best of luck to all players – may your bowls be straight, your draws precise, and the games full of energy. Good bowls everyone!

👉Follow all results here