As another thrilling bowls season concludes, it’s time to reflect on the remarkable achievements and contributions that have enriched our Auckland bowls community. The 2024 Bowls Auckland Awards on Sunday, 23 June 2024, served as an occasion to honour and acknowledge the successes of the 2023-2024 season.
The Awards not only celebrated bowler’s abilities on the green but also recognised those within the clubs whose unwavering dedication has truly elevated the spirit of our sport. Behind every successful bowler stands a supportive club – the heart of their community.
Whether it was a standout player, a tireless volunteer, or a club that has gone above and beyond in promoting the sport, the Awards highlighted their achievements – it was a time to celebrate the accomplishments and successes across our community.
SUMMARY OF SPECIAL AWARDS
Bowls Auckland Service Award – Les Smith
This new award recognises significant contributions to bowls in Auckland, encompassing umpiring, coaching, administration, and more. Les Smith’s impressive service includes:
- 26 years as a coach
- Over five years with the Auckland Bowlers Coaching Association
- 25 years as an umpire
- 16 years with the Auckland Umpires Association, four as President
- Five years on the Bowls Auckland Operations Committee
Club Initiative of the Year – Carlton Cornwall Bowls
This award celebrates a club project that promotes innovation and advancement. Carlton Cornwall Bowls developed an integrated coaching program for 1-5 Year bowlers, resulting in:
- Nine new first-year members, the most in a decade
- A new coaching framework with three new qualified coaches
- Winning the 1-5 Year Interclub Championship
Club Person of the Year – Richard Ludbrook, Howick Bowls
This award recognises outstanding contributions to the club and bowls in general. Richard Ludbrook’s contributions include:
- Managing the club’s coaching programme
- Assisting in running tournaments and selecting Interclub teams
- Administering the 1-5 Year programme for the Southeast Zone
- Welcoming 85 first-year members over five years
Club of the Year – Royal Oak Bowls
This award recognises outstanding successes both on and off the green. Royal Oak Bowls achieved:
- 14 new first-year members in 2023-24
- A 23% membership increase
- Evolving volunteer governance and professional management
- Winning numerous Centre titles and a national title
- Installing a canopy that boosted usage
- Having the best scones in Auckland!
Young Bowler of the Year – Liam Hill, Auckland Bowling Club
This award recognises outstanding achievement by a bowler under 26. Liam Hill’s fantastic year included:
- Winning a Centre Title and a National Title
- Winning the Club Singles Championship
- Being selected for the Bowls Auckland Men’s Intercentre team at age 15
Marlene Castle Women’s Bowler of the Year – Linda Ralph and Agnes Motu
This major award recognises extraordinary seasons from elite bowlers. Both winners achieved remarkable feats:
- Linda Ralph: Won National Interclub 7’s, National Fours, Centre Interclub 7’s, and Centre Singles
- Agnes Motu: Won Centre Champ of Champs Pairs, Triples, Fours, and Pathway 2-4-2 Mixed Pairs
Men’s Bowler of the Year – Mike Galloway
This award recognises an extraordinary season from an elite bowler. Mike Galloway’s achievements included:
- Winning National Fours, Centre Champ of Champs Singles, Centre Singles, Jarden Open Mixed Pairs, and Auckland Men’s Centre Fours
- Securing his 22nd centre title and receiving the Bowls NZ Silver Star
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their exceptional contributions to the Auckland bowls community!
View:
Awards photo gallery (just enter your email address)
Highlights video