After three weeks of section play, shifting weather, plenty of tight contests and more than a few calculations of rink points and differentials, Winterclub 2026 ended on Sunday with four teams claiming divisional honours. The finals were split across Royal Oak and Papatoetoe. The covered venues saved finalists from the rain, keeping the bowls rolling, and 16 qualifiers were left to decide where this year’s Winterclub bragging rights would land.

At Royal Oak, Carlton Cornwall Tui completed an impressive campaign by taking out the Championship title. After finishing section play at the top of Section 2, Tui faced Section 1 winners Pringle Park Thunder in the semi-final before progressing to meet Howick Bronzies in the Championship decider. The final belonged to Carlton Cornwall, who capped off three strong weeks of competition by overcoming the Bronzies, leading throughout the match, despite Howick’s late charge. Carlton Cornwall added the Winterclub Championship to the club’s trophy cabinet.

The Division 2 title came with a decisive full stop. Railway Storm getting the better of Onehunga Sting in the final, both sides conceding the match after 12 ends, too far behind to recover the score. Railway had been one of the most consistent performers throughout section play, finishing second in Section 1 behind Pringle Park Thunder. They carried that form into finals day and were rewarded with the Division 2 crown.

At Papatoetoe, the hosts had something to celebrate. Papatoetoe fought their way through Division 3 and defeated St Heliers Sinners in the final, making the most of home surroundings to finish Winterclub on a high. The fourth and final title went to Carlton Cornwall Kererū, who prevailed over Howick Nurse Sharks to claim Division 4 and give Carlton Cornwall a second championship for the day.

The results were the final chapter of a Winterclub season that once again showed exactly what the competition is about.

Across three section weekends, teams dealt with sunshine, rain, abandoned rounds, covered greens and constantly changing leaderboards. Some sides raced to early leads, others steadily climbed their way into finals contention, and plenty of sections remained alive until the closing rounds.

Most importantly, Winterclub continued to provide the perfect blend of participation-focused bowls competition with a strong social edge, giving players and clubs another opportunity to get on the green during the colder months.

A huge thank you goes to all of the clubs that hosted throughout the competition. Winterclub requires a significant number of venues, volunteers, greenkeepers, kitchen crews and club members to make each weekend work, and their contribution is very much appreciated.

Special thanks also go to Royal Oak and Papatoetoe for hosting the finals, along with the officials, convenors and volunteers who helped ensure the final day ran smoothly.

And finally, thank you to every player who took part. 2026 Winterclub delivered again!

Congratulations to our 2026 Winterclub champions:

Championship: Carlton Cornwall Tui
Division 2: Railway Storm
Division 3: Papatoetoe
Division 4: Carlton Cornwall Kererū