The opening centre event of the 2025–2026 season delivered both sunshine and superb bowls, setting an exciting tone for the weekend. With qualifying shifted to a three-from-four wins format, players faced longer days and a tougher path into post-section, a change that rewarded consistency, patience and tactical clarity. The result was a smaller but fiercely competitive field fighting for the Centre Fours titles.

Women’s Recap

Twelve women’s sides navigated qualifying, producing a high-calibre post-section. The quarter finals saw a gripping showdown between premier skips Linda Ralph and Aggie Motu, with momentum swinging throughout. On the opposite side of the draw, Tessa Farley and her team of Katy Merrett, Margaret Rouse and mum Linda Farley continued their strong form, recording quality wins over St Heliers, Howick and Te Atatū.

Joining them in the final is the experienced St Heliers quartet skipped by Catherine Bien. They came through a tough run edging past clubmate Amy Cheung before defeating Carlton Cornwall’s Ralph to book their well-earned place in Saturday’s decider.

Men’s Recap

The men’s post-section had its share of heavyweights but it was the Glendowie four who stole the spotlight. 1-5 Year representative Crawford Blair skipped brilliantly with senior player Andrew Lawson and two juniors up front, producing one of the event’s standout runs. Their victories over Papatoetoe, Carlton Cornwall and New Lynn followed by turning the tables on Carlton’s David Ball to win 15–8, propelled them into a memorable upset over Tony Grantham’s Mt Albert line-up.

The final will see Howick’s Neil Fisher, Bryan Chapman, Ian Fisher and Hans Vermeulen take on the Pt Chevalier side of Alex Reed, Steve Campbell, Harry Davis and Colin Williams. Reed, who cheekily vowed to retire after earning his gold star last December, again proved he remains a force on the big stage.

Finals Day & Thanks!

Both finals promise tight contests with no clear favourites. They will be played at Pt Chevalier on Saturday 6 December, alongside the remaining Centre Pairs rounds. The full schedule will be confirmed next week.

Bowls Auckland extends sincere thanks to all host clubs, umpires, volunteers and supporters. Pt Chevalier, you were amazing – the club was humming all weekend, community and competitive bowls sharing spaces in harmony… a brilliant start to the season!

We look forward to seeing everyone back for the Centre Pairs.