The Octagonal Challenge lived up to its billing, delivering high-intensity matchups, standout performances, and plenty of drama across both the Development and Premier competitions. With eight regions battling it out, players left it all on the greens, making for an unforgettable weekend.

Development Octagonal: 
Auckland’s Development squad arrived at Howick with high expectations despite a mixed opening day. Tactical combination changes in the latter rounds saw the men’s side claim third, while the women’s team took the top spot, the combined standings enough to secure first place and clinch the overall trophy.

Performance highlights:

• Matt Berry – The 2025 National Singles champion impressed on debut, his signature style, winning four of his seven singles matches.
• Jane Field – A standout in the women’s singles, winning six of seven matches, with her only loss coming to Waikato’s undefeated Teri Blackbourn.
• Rachael Hancock – Skipped the women’s fours to six wins, alongside key contributions from Angela Longney (played 5, won 5), Gloria Teinaki (played 6, won 5), including Eva Bell, Sarah Childs, and Andrea Wilson all playing fours and pairs matches.

With four teams still in contention heading into the final round, Auckland’s men and women both delivered clutch wins, edging out Waikato after a scorecard review clarified the results.

Premier Octagonal:
Over at Browns Bay, the inaugural Premier Octagonal highlighted some of the region’s best, offering a perfect test ahead of the National Intercentre.

Standout moments:

• Pacifica Barbarians’ debut – Coached by Peter Thorne and Dan King, the Barbarians brought flair and passion but had to settle for a sixth-place finish despite some individual upsets.
• Tony Grantham leads the charge – Topping the player ladder with six singles victories, including a dominant 21-6 victory over Barbarian Jamie Hill, Grantham set the tone for Auckland’s success.
• Auckland & North Harbour Women dominate – The top 14 individual performances featured mostly Auckland and North Harbour players, with Bay of Plenty’s Sue Hodges (singles) securing a respectable fifth place.

Final standings:
Development Octagonal Top 3:
• Auckland
• Waikato
• North Harbour

Premier Octagonal Top 3:
• Auckland
• Bay of Plenty
• Waikato

Both events provided a valuable testing ground for players and selectors, fine-tuning combinations and strategies ahead of National Intercentre.

With the Octagonal Challenge in the books, attention now shifts to next weekend’s 1-5 Year Octagonal, where Auckland’s squad will be announced soon.

A huge thank you to Howick and Browns Bay for hosting two fantastic events, and to all players, coaches, and supporters for making this a true festival of bowls!

👉For full results
👉To view more photos