Following hot on the heels of the 1–5 Year teams named last week, it is now the turn of the Premier and Development teams.
A highlight is that several players have earned higher honours after previously playing in 1–5 Year sides. It is hugely pleasing to see players progressing through the ranks, thanks in large part to a successful 1–5 Year programme and the dedication and commitment of the team management.
The Men’s Development team features some exciting selections, including prolific event winners Stephen Campbell (Howick) and Steve Fisher (Royal Oak), along with well-deserved recognition for newer squad members John Vujnovich (Pringle Park) and Matt Wesche (Howick).
The Premier side welcomes an injection of new inclusions such as Zoran Bartulovich (Mt Albert), Dean Edge (St Heliers), and last year’s Champ of Champs Singles winner, Darral Gordon (Auckland Bowling Club), alongside an experienced core group of players.
Newly appointed Premier and Development Women’s Head Coach, Trish Croot, has named two strong teams full of youth and enthusiasm.
The Women’s Development team recognises the performance of some rising stars, including last season’s National U26 Pairs champions Hannah Dawson (Howick) and Henrietta Scott (Carlton Cornwall), along with Sarah Childs (Howick), who built on her success last season and again impressed at the recent Women’s Singles Open.
In line with the Men’s Premier team, the Women’s Premier side boasts a great balance of experience and emerging talent, combining the likes of Aggie Motu (Auckland Bowling Club) and Linda Ralph (Carlton Cornwall) with debut selections for Jhanna Savov and Nicole Singer (Royal Oak).
This is the first event played under the new eligibility rules for Development sides, requiring all players to have between 1 and 10 years of playing experience.
Players representing thirteen different clubs have been selected, illustrating the strength of club bowls and the success of development programmes across Auckland.
The teams will compete in the first Quad Tournament of the season on Sunday, 5 October, against Bay of Plenty, Northland, and North Harbour.
We wish all teams the rub of the green!
PREMIER WOMEN
| Catherine Bien | St Heliers |
| Mackenzie Blucher | Te Atatū Peninsula |
| Jaime Delany | Onehunga & Districts |
| Kimberley Hemingway | Auckland Bowling Club |
| Lesley McLinden | Royal Oak |
| Agnes Motu | Auckland Bowling Club |
| Linda Ralph | Carlton Cornwall |
| Jhanna Savov** | Royal Oak |
| Nicole Singer** | Royal Oak |
DEVELOPMENT WOMEN
| Philominna Akaruru* | Ōtāhuhu Railway |
| Sarah Childs* | Howick |
| Hannah Dawson** | Howick |
| Jane Field* | St Heliers |
| Julie Keven* | St Heliers |
| Marisa Posa* | Mt Albert |
| Henrietta Scott* | Carlton Cornwall |
| Lee Singer** | Royal Oak |
PREMIER MEN
| Zoran Bartulovich* | Mt Albert |
| Adam Blucher* | Te Atatū Peninsula |
| Mike Bradshaw | New Lynn |
| Dean Edge | St Heliers |
| Darral Gordon | Auckland Bowling Club |
| Tony Grantham | Mt Albert |
| Liam Hill* | Auckland Bowling Club |
| David Motu** | Auckland Bowling Club |
DEVELOPMENT MEN
| Stephen Campbell* | Howick |
| Liam Cleal* | Papatoetoe |
| Steve Fisher** | Royal Oak |
| Jean-Claude Fuller* | Pt Chevalier |
| Peni Panapa* | Papatoetoe |
| Mark Posa** | Mt Albert |
| John Vujnovich* | Pringle Park |
| Matt Wesche | Howick |
*Available for selection for Development
**Available for selection for Development and 1-5 Year