Bowls Maraetai hosted a successful coaching clinic on Wednesday, attracting 24 bowlers ranging from beginners with just a few social games to seasoned players. The session was led by Bowls Auckland coaches Les Eagleton and Brendon Walton, with the invaluable support of bowling arm specialist, Crissy Blue.

The clinic aimed to equip club members with the skills and confidence to transition from club events to compete in Auckland-wide tournaments. A key focus was on mastering the fundamentals of delivery, with practical tips provided to help bowlers achieve consistency and precision in their game.

Crissy’s expertise with the bowling arm—a device for players with physical challenges—was a highlight of the day. With equipment kindly loaned from the Takapuna Club, attendees had the opportunity to try out the bowling arm, gaining confidence and learning about its benefits for extending their playing years.

The session also introduced strategic Training Games For Understanding (TGFU), encouraging players to practice with purpose, think critically, and improve their decision-making in game scenarios.

The diverse skill levels created an engaging environment where newer players built a solid foundation, while experienced bowlers fine-tuned their techniques. The clinic proved to be a valuable experience for everyone involved, fostering growth and a deeper understanding of the game.

Special thanks to Charles Tapper for his coordination with Bowls Auckland and rallying the members for this fantastic event. Congratulations to everyone for stepping up and embracing the opportunity! Maraetai is a small club with a bright future ahead, we’re excited to see the progress when the new carpet green is completed next year.