Some of the best young bowls talent in the country is heading to Tāmaki Makaurau for the inaugural National Under 26 Pairs event. In its debut year, eligibility rules allow players who are 26 at the time of play, offering a fresh opportunity for emerging and established young competitors.

A strong field of 14 entries locked in their entry,  with 13 players travelling from outside the Auckland Centre, including South Island duo from Canterbury, Hamish Kelleher (Halswell, Christchurch) and Liam O’Connor (Allenton, Ashburton), bringing a formidable southern presence to the competition.

With an average age of just 20.4, this ‘any combination’ tournament features a mix of rising stars and experienced players. The pairing of Auckland premier reps Adam Blucher and Liam Hill are headline contenders. Both were part of Auckland’s silver medal-winning Intercentre team. Blucher, recovering from a minor e-scooter mishap, is eager to return to the green after missing last weekend’s Men’s Singles.

The women’s draw boasts serious contenders, including National Pairs runners-up Ashleigh Jeffcoat and Henrietta Scott, who have split to form two powerhouse combinations. Jeffcoat teams up with Caitlin Thomson (Omokoroa), her NZ Under 26 teammate, while Scott pairs with Howick’s Hannah Dawson, a rising talent making waves in Centre events.

Adding to the excitement, two mixed pairs bring fresh dynamics to the competition. Eva Bell (Auckland 1-5 and development rep) partners with Daniel Chivers (Orewa), a new bowler already catching the eye of high-performance selectors. Meanwhile, Paul Buchanan and Deanne Bronlund (North Harbour) combine their skills, with Bronlund’s rapid rise in the sport making her a player to watch.

The tournament format guarantees plenty of action, with four rounds of qualifying on Saturday determining rankings. The top eight teams advance to Sunday’s Championship event, while the bottom six compete in the Plate event. Over the two days, all teams will play seven rounds to decide final placements.

📍 Join us at Mt Eden Bowling Club this weekend to support and celebrate the future of bowls!

If you can’t join us at Mt Eden BC, we’re broadcasting two matches on Sunday – the semi-final and the final on the Bowls New Zealand and Bowls Auckland YouTube channels.

SEMI FINAL – 11:00 am: https://www.youtube.com/live/9sOyDVVWdRo
FINAL – 1.30 pm: https://www.youtube.com/live/8vjWSUSf82I