The stage is set at Royal Oak Bowls for one of the final and most anticipated showdowns in the 2025 Shade Systems Champion of Champions Series — the Fours. This year’s draw features a compelling mix of decorated campaigners, rising talent, and tight-knit club units, each ready to stake their claim on a coveted centre title. While the field is packed with quality, a handful of standout teams have emerged as early favourites.
Men’s contenders: big characters, bigger stakes
On the men’s side, five teams have drawn attention for their potential to go the distance:
- Auckland Bowling Club: A Haywood, R Gregory, S Cottrell, S Posa
This accomplished lineup has firepower to spare. These men have impressive bowls resumes and will certainly make their presence felt on the green. Haywood and Gregory are known for their larger-than-life character, contrasted with incredible composure under pressure, and with one of the stronger front ends in the field. They could be hard to stop. - Te Atatū: A Blucher, S McCamish, B Kelly, P Blucher
This team has unfinished business — Te Atatū made the semifinals last year and return with purpose. Their chemistry and experience could give them the edge when it counts. - Carlton Cornwall: P Stanaway, R Stanaway, W Catchpole, G Hulst
The Stanaway brothers take a formidable stance at the top end of this Carlton Cornwall four. Lead by club president Gerald Hulst, the side will need to fire early as they have a tough first match against a strong Papatoetoe combination. - Papatoetoe: P Panapa, L Cleal, P Luka, A Padayachi
An exciting mix of Tokelau internationals and Auckland 1-5 Reps form a seriously strong Papatoetoe side. Liam Cleal has been a mainstay in the Auckland 1-5 squad this season, playing at three in the fours. Peni Panapa from the Development side adds a little more depth to the side. - Royal Oak: P Thorne, D Delany, K Dixon, J Carruthers
The home club enters with confidence, defending both their turf and their open centre title. Carruthers and Dixon provide a reliable front-end, while the whole four have proven championship pedigree.
Women’s spotlight: formidable fours chasing glory
The women’s draw at Royal Oak is just as stacked with contenders. Five teams in particular have been marked as ones to watch:
- Auckland Bowling Club: A Motu, J Macaw, K Hemingway, L Prideaux
With two COC titles and a runner up already this season, Auckland’s women have to top this list. Jessie Macaw — this year’s Women’s Open Singles champion brings additional class to an already lethal lineup. - Ōtāhuhu Railway: D Jensen, T McLoughlin, P Akaruru, K Lapslie
Consistent and composed, Ōtāhuhu’s strength lies in their relentless draw play and tight-knit team structure. Jensen and Akaruru have been in exceptional form of late and are waiting for their opportunity to strike. - Onehunga & Districts: J Delany, W Stainton, R Bradnock, M Taka
A well-balanced team with aggressive flair and tactical nous. Their round of 16 clash with Ōtāhuhu promises to be a key early match-up. - Balmoral: T Farley, M Rouse, K Merrett, L Farley
Tessa Farley, known best for her tactical analysis and creative “indoor” inspired shot play, skips a Balmoral side that will quietly progress through the ladder. Mother Linda Farley had a great run at the recent COC Singles event and will be a key to success off the front. - Royal Oak: L McLinden, J Young, L Dixon, C Tawharu
Backed by home advantage and passionate supporters, McLinden, Young and Tawharu have a wealth of experience between them and welcome first-year bowler Dixon into the side. Expect them to use local knowledge and a vocal support crew to their advantage.
With pride, prestige, and centre titles on the line, the 2025 Shade Systems COC Fours promises to deliver thrilling bowls. Will the favourites rise to the occasion, or will a surprise challenger seize the spotlight? Let the battles begin.