With several of the more experienced 1–5 squad members taking the winter campaign off, this compact mid-winter fixture provides a valuable development opportunity for wider training squad members and several new faces to pull on the blue and white, represent Auckland, and make an early statement ahead of next season’s squad selections.

The 1–5 coaching team is confident the selected squad, will embrace the challenge, and take another important step in their development. While results are important, this campaign is equally about opportunity, learning, and building depth within the wider 1–5 programme.

Hosted this year by Thames Valley, the team will travel to Te Aroha on Saturday, 4 July, to compete at Tui Park Bowling Club. It promises to be a unique experience, with the fixture played on natural greens in the middle of winter. Thames Valley is no stranger to winter bowls on natural surfaces as it continues to expand its carpet green network, but for Auckland’s squad, it will present a very different challenge.

With Auckland’s natural surfaces closed for winter renovations, preparation will take place on carpet, meaning adaptability, patience, and communication will be crucial when the team steps onto the green in Te Aroha.

The squad came together on Tuesday for the first of five preparation sessions leading into the fixture. Week one focused heavily on first-bowl effectiveness, building heads, and communication within combinations. Over the remaining four weeks, players will continue to develop these areas while refining all aspects of their game before progressing into simulated match play once final combinations are confirmed.

Now in its second year, the Winter Quad has become a valuable part of the 1-5 representative pathway. It provides players with exposure to different conditions, quality opposition, and the expectations that come with representing their Centre. For this group, it is a chance to test themselves, support one another, and demonstrate their readiness for the next level.

Bowls Counties Manukau has generously donated a beautiful kauri log trophy that will be contested annually and has been aptly named the ‘Bombay Battle.’ The name reflects the traditional boundary between Auckland and Counties Manukau to the north, and Thames Valley and Waikato to the south.

Congratulations to all players selected. We look forward to sharing the squad’s preparation over the coming weeks and following their journey as they take on the Winter Quad challenge in Te Aroha.