The 2024 Jarden Open was touted to be bigger and better than ever, and it truly delivered! The event attracted a record-breaking 106 entries from across the motu and even featured players from across the ditch.

A fierce competition
The tournament’s three-day format guaranteed two days of section play, culminating in the top 32 teams competing on Finals Day for their share of the $5,000 prize pool across four divisions. Players battled through five qualifying rounds in their respective sections, with an elimination round on day two deciding the final contenders. Windy conditions added to the challenge, pushing bowler’s skill!

Among the eight standout teams achieving five from five wins were reigning champions Galloway & Prideaux, 2022 winner Trish Croot paired with Shaun Goldsbury, rising rangatahi talent Liam Hill alongside 2022 Australian Open Pairs champ Olivia Bloomfield, and late “fill the bye” entrants Linda Ralph & Rob Ashton.

Finals Day drama
The finals brought thrilling matches across all divisions. Division 1’s quarterfinal match between Takapuna’s Steve Hoeft and Keiko Kurohara and Pt Chevalier’s Alex Reed and Jenny Stockford kept fans alert, with Pt Chevalier pulling ahead to win 14-9. Another highlight was Homai’s Lee Warburton and Keitha Heta staging a remarkable comeback to defeat the 2023 champions Galloway & Prideaux, 11-8.

In the Cup Final, Pt Chevalier’s Reed and Stockford faced Carlton Cornwall’s Ralph and Ashton. Pt Chevalier’s early four-point lead set the tone for an exceptional match. With their consistent performance and two game-changing fours in the 8th and 11th ends, Pt Chevalier secured a 16-6 victory. Congratulations to Alex and Jenny, who also earned gold stars for their championship win!

Division highlights
Division 2: Frankie Lim and Catherine Bien narrowly defeated Nick Thompson and Judy Smith in a nail-biting final, 16-15.

Division 3: Fresh off his recent Auckland Centre Pairs win and a runner-up finish in the Centre Fours, Mt Albert’s Mark Posa, partnered with Jhanna Savov, challenged the formidable duo of current Blackjack Leanne Poulson and her decorated North Harbour partner Bart Robertson. Mt Albert clinched the win, 16-15.

Division 4: Colin Williams and Tessa Farley (2020-2021 title winners) showcased their experience, defeating St Heliers’ emerging 1-5 duo Donna and Paul Davison with a decisive 22-8 victory.

For:
Full results
Broadcast matches

A community effort
Thanks to the host clubs—Balmoral, Carlton Cornwall, East Tamaki, Pakuranga, Pt Chevalier, Te Atatu, Royal Oak, and headquarters Howick—for their hospitality, volunteers, and greenkeepers. Special acknowledgement to the umpires, officials, and WSL for their fantastic, televised coverage.

Thanks to all the players, we couldn’t have done it without you.

Finally, a big thank you to Jarden for their continued partnership, and for helping make this extraordinary event possible. For more about Jarden, visit their website. 

Here’s to another remarkable year at the Jarden Open Mixed Pairs!