The Bowls3Five competition wrapped up in thrilling fashion this week at Auckland Bowling Club, with MABC Uncle 1 taking home the title in a dominant 2-0 victory over the Howick Hawks.

The MABC trio—Zoran Bartulovich, Neven Grgicevich, and Marisa Posa—proved too strong for the all-junior Howick side of Hannah Dawson, Chris Hand, and Ting-Ting Ip, who put up a spirited fight but couldn’t overcome their experienced opponents.

The evening also saw strong competition from North Harbour finalists Mairangi Bay and defending champions Birkenhead, both clubs bringing a strong support crew over the bridge for a novel way of finishing a North Harbour event.

Near neighbour playoff
Following the respective regional finals, winners MABC took on Birkenhead in the Near Neighbour Playoff. Despite a strong campaign thus far, MABC fell short, losing 2-0 in sets. Birkenhead, skipped by world COC singles winner Millie Nathan joined by brother Chad Nathan and Mark Rumble proved too strong earning their spot in the national final for the second consecutive year.

With the Auckland and North Harbour regional finals complete, MABC took on Birkenhead in the Near Neighbour Playoff, fighting for a place in the national final. Despite their impressive run, MABC fell short, losing 2-0 in sets to a star-studded Birkenhead side led by world COC singles winner Millie Nathan, alongside Chad Nathan and Mark Rumble.

With that win, Birkenhead secured their second consecutive trip to the national final, continuing their impressive streak in the Bowls3Five format.
Thank you & looking ahead

A huge thank you to all host clubs for their hospitality and efforts in delivering an outstanding event over the past six weeks.

Bowls3Five remains a highlight of the Bowls Auckland season, bringing an exciting, fast-paced twist to the game, with competitive twilight action keeping players and fans engaged.