The 1–5 Interclub comp hits the greens this week, with a weather warning adding an extra layer of challenge to what is always a highly contested title. With Auckland’s invitational spot at the Northland’s historic Mercedes Cup on the line, defending champions Mt Albert will need to be at their best, with several strong sides emerging across the draw.
Section One
Mt Wellington may traditionally be viewed as an underdog. Sam Brack, Richie Rogers and John Mulka headline a capable lineup, while Thomas Viggo, still relatively unknown, is firmly on the representative radar. Blockhouse Bay shapes as the main challenger, with Craig Moffat leading a side that blends returning players with fresh talent.
Mt Wellington may traditionally be viewed as an underdog. Sam Brack, Richie Rogers and John Mulka headline a capable lineup, while Thomas Viggo, still relatively unknown, is firmly on the representative radar. Blockhouse Bay shapes as the main challenger, with Craig Moffat leading a side that blends returning players with fresh talent.
Section Two
Pt Chevalier Pirates have assembled a capable side. 1–5 rep Tracey Brayshaw brings valuable indoor bowls experience, while newcomer Zvonko Dzomba continues to impress, including a top 16 finish in the recent 1–5 Singles. Ōtāhuhu Railway loom as a serious contender, led by Fraema Akaruru-Teinaki and Thomas Teinaki, with Ed Tutai Jnr also in strong form.
Pt Chevalier Pirates have assembled a capable side. 1–5 rep Tracey Brayshaw brings valuable indoor bowls experience, while newcomer Zvonko Dzomba continues to impress, including a top 16 finish in the recent 1–5 Singles. Ōtāhuhu Railway loom as a serious contender, led by Fraema Akaruru-Teinaki and Thomas Teinaki, with Ed Tutai Jnr also in strong form.
Section Three
Defending champions Mt Albert Lions return with a slightly reshaped lineup and face a major challenge from what is arguably Royal Oak’s strongest side. All six Royal Oak Orion players are part of the Bowls Auckland performance programme, with Steve Fisher, Jhanna Savov and Nicole Singer all making their premier debuts this season.
Defending champions Mt Albert Lions return with a slightly reshaped lineup and face a major challenge from what is arguably Royal Oak’s strongest side. All six Royal Oak Orion players are part of the Bowls Auckland performance programme, with Steve Fisher, Jhanna Savov and Nicole Singer all making their premier debuts this season.
Section Four
Howick Hammerheads lead the Howick charge and like Royal Oak Eagle, feature a lineup with strong ties to the performance programme. Their combinations mirror those that found success in the Canoe Campi and ABCA Cups earlier this season. Pringle Park and Kohimarama round out the section, each more than capable of causing an upset.
Howick Hammerheads lead the Howick charge and like Royal Oak Eagle, feature a lineup with strong ties to the performance programme. Their combinations mirror those that found success in the Canoe Campi and ABCA Cups earlier this season. Pringle Park and Kohimarama round out the section, each more than capable of causing an upset.
Section Five
St Heliers have developed a strong 1-5 base over the past two seasons. This side blends familiar names with new faces and has potential. The key matchup will be against Howick Bronzies, who also present a strong qualifying chance. Sue Carroll, Lea Hooper, Lilly Wesche and Claire Orr all produce consistent performances.
St Heliers have developed a strong 1-5 base over the past two seasons. This side blends familiar names with new faces and has potential. The key matchup will be against Howick Bronzies, who also present a strong qualifying chance. Sue Carroll, Lea Hooper, Lilly Wesche and Claire Orr all produce consistent performances.
Section Six
It is great to see Bucklands Beach in this comp, entering their first centre event as a club side in some time. The club has invested time and effort in developing its 1-5 players through regular coaching – it is encouraging to see that work translating into participation.
It is great to see Bucklands Beach in this comp, entering their first centre event as a club side in some time. The club has invested time and effort in developing its 1-5 players through regular coaching – it is encouraging to see that work translating into participation.
The standout matchup here is Balmoral against Royal Oak Starship. Balmoral are consistent performers in centre events, with Katy Merrett’s confident skipping a key strength. Royal Oak Starship presents as a genuine contender, featuring Peadar Macelvanna, Michael Faircloth, Mike Burns, Lynette Dixon and Jason Wong, who has recently relocated from Hawke’s Bay with strong PBA and Under 26 results.
While several sides may look strong on paper, bowls is decided on the day, and there is plenty of opportunity for an underdog to step up and take their chance.
Play on Saturday is expected to proceed at the originally scheduled venues. We will continue to monitor the weather closely and communicate any updates as required.
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