This weekend’s ABCA Cup is set to be one of the biggest in recent years, with a massive field of 40 teams taking to the greens. The scale of the competition has seen the event expand to three greens across two venues, Howick Bowling Club and Pakuranga Bowling Club, ensuring plenty of action and atmosphere from start to finish.

Players drawn at Pakuranga will note a slight schedule change; all games will start 30 minutes earlier. This adjustment is to allow travel time at the end of the day so those wishing to attend the prizegiving at Howick can get there in plenty of time.

The depth of talent in this year’s line-up is impressive, with several teams poised to make a strong run for the title. The must-watch combinations from each zone include:

• H Ranchhod, M Hawthorne, R Bell, A Simpson ~ West
• T Teinaki, F Akaruru-Teinaki, C Filipo, E Tutai Jnr ~ Southwest
• S Campbell, G Lewis, D Taylor, W Brealey ~ Southeast
• M Ricardi, L Davis, D Jordan, R McKenzie ~ Counties
• C Moffat, P Yam, J Keven, W Wood ~ East
• G Soares, B Christie, L Lyons, D Brennan ~ Central

The top pick for the title is the formidable Weir–Dawson combination from Southeast. Fresh from their respective victories in the Canoe and Campi events, these two proven winners have joined forces to spearhead the Southeast challenge. Add in the advantage of playing on familiar greens, and they are sure to be a formidable side.

With high-quality competition spread across both venues, this year’s ABCA Cup promises a feast of bowls action.