Bowls Auckland Finals Day once again delivered a showcase of talent, composure, and club pride, and this year was no exception. David Motu produced a heartfelt and commanding performance to claim two titles in a standout day on the greens.

Men’s Singles

In the semi-final, Motu faced Auckland 1–5 rep Peter McConnell (Royal Oak). He settled immediately, racing to a 6–0 lead after just three ends. McConnell responded with a two on the fourth, but Motu quickly reasserted control, stretching the margin to 19–3 after 12 ends. The match wrapped up soon after, with Motu advancing emphatically, 21–4.

The other semi-final saw Clinton Smith start strongly, opening with a four and building a 7–0 lead within three ends. Zoran Bartulovich showed real composure to claw his way back, levelling the match at 9–all by the 11th end. From there, Bartulovich took control, leading 18–13 after 22 ends when the time limit was reached, securing his place in the final.

In the final, Motu again asserting early dominance, building an 11–3 lead after 10 ends. Bartulovich fought back strongly, narrowing the gap to 16–14 after 21 ends. With no time limit in play, the match extended to 27 ends, where Motu held firm to close it out 21–16 and claim his first title of the day.

Women’s Triples

The women’s triples final between Carlton Cornwall and Howick produced a compelling contest. Carlton Cornwall, skipped by Estelle Hickey, struck early with a four, but the match soon settled into a tight, low-scoring contest with singles and twos traded across the early stages.

After 12 ends, Howick trailed narrowly at 8–10, with the younger combination, boasting fewer than 10 years’ combined experience, showing they were more than capable of challenging the seasoned two-time centre champions.

However, a decisive surge came on the 14th end, with Carlton Cornwall picking up a two followed by a crucial four, to extend their lead to eight shots and take control of the match. Howick continued to battle, but a final two on the 17th end sealed it for Carlton Cornwall.

Hickey, alongside Helen Blick and Jeanine Browne, secured their third centre triples title as a team, adding to their impressive individual tallies of seven, six and three respectively.

 Men’s Triples

Both Motu and Bartulovich returned for another shot at silverware, adding another layer of intrigue to an already big day.

Auckland BC opened with a single, before Mt Albert hit back in style, highlighted by a massive five on the sixth end (TG’s shout!) to take an 11–4 lead after nine ends.

From there, Auckland BC seized momentum in a decisive run, stringing together seven unanswered ends to surge ahead 19–11 after 15 ends. Mt Albert added a couple of singles late, but with a six required on the final end to force a tie, they elected not to chase, confirming Auckland BC’s victory – and Motu’s second title of the day.

A day defined by resilience, experience, and standout performances, the 2026 Centre Finals once again reinforced the depth of talent across the region. From emerging contenders to established champions, the stage was set and delivered bowls at its very best.

One thing worth noting: the face of competitive bowls is clearly evolving. This season’s Auckland Centre Singles titles were both claimed by 19-year-olds. Add 17-year-old Liam Hill, a Centre Triples champion, and it’s clear the perception of competitive bowlers is shifting younger, sharper, and just as hungry.

As we move into the Shade Systems Champ of Champs Series, whispers are already circulating around Player of the Year contenders. Strong performances in these upcoming events will no doubt play a major role in shaping the conversation.

👉 You can catch the Triples Finals action on YouTube:
Women’s Final: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLfXS4ksw9w
Men’s Final: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaA4gSXj2_A