The first open event of the 2024-2025 season set a high bar, with exceptional performances across both the men’s and women’s competitions with 72 fours teams taking to the greens. Despite a soggy Friday afternoon, which left the greens waterlogged, four of the five natural greens scheduled for play were able to host an exciting weekend of bowls.

Women’s Event

The women’s competition featured a compact but fiercely competitive field of 26 teams, with 12 advancing to post-section play. Among the standout performances on day one was the St Heliers team, skipped by Jane Field. They secured decisive victories, showcasing their dominance early on. However, the unpredictability of bowls saw their campaign cut short on Sunday, eliminated in the first round of post-section by Estelle Hickey’s Carlton Cornwall side.

Hickey’s team continued to shine, progressing to the final where they will face another Carlton Cornwall powerhouse, the side skipped by sister Linda Ralph. With both teams proven competitors, the final promises to be a thrilling contest and will undoubtedly draw a captivated club audience, with the final being played on their home green.

Men’s Event 

In the men’s competition, Auckland Bowling Club led the way on day one, with dominant three-win performances topping sections one and two. Jordan King’s ever-reliable Mt Eden side topped section three, setting the stage for an intense post-section battle.

The first round of post-section play was a mix of nail-biters and emphatic victories. Notable results included Peter Sain’s Carlton Cornwall side succumbing to Travis Engelbrecht’s Balmoral team in a decisive 20-5 defeat after just 10 ends. Meanwhile, Steve Kirwan’s Balmoral side narrowly missed out on advancing after a one-point loss to Andy Kemp’s Pringle Park team, with the result hinging on the final bowl.

The quarterfinals brought even more drama, highlighted by Teo Turua’s Mt Albert side crushing Mt Eden 20-1 in an aggressive display. The other matches offered a tactical masterclass, including a razor-thin victory for Alex Reed (Pt Chev) over Mike Bradshaw (Auckland), decided in a high-stakes end with the jack positioned precariously between success and elimination.

Finals Weekend

Anticipation builds as the women’s final and men’s semifinals are set to take place during Finals Weekend, scheduled for 14 & 15 December 14th at Carlton Cornwall. Bowls Auckland will finalise and release the event schedule closer to the date, accommodating potential player commitments across both the fours and pairs disciplines. With high-stakes matches and Auckland’s top talent on display, the weekend promises thrilling action and a fitting conclusion to the year’s competitions. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and crown new champions before the Christmas break.