The first titles of the 2026-2027 Bowls Auckland season have been decided, with the Men’s Fours and Women’s Singles delivering two days of upsets, emerging talent and championship drama!

With thunderstorms threatening, Bowls Auckland made a call on Friday afternoon to relocate the entire event, including section play, to five covered greens across the region. A massive undertaking, but one that kept the games rolling and ensured our first champions were crowned!

Men’s Fours – Upsets and Family Rivalries!

The Men’s Fours delivered plenty of surprises, with some big names falling earlier than expected. Saturday’s feature clash saw Tony Grantham’s experienced four dispatch the Te Atatū young guns 16–6. However, Grantham’s campaign ended Sunday morning, upset by clubmates Pat Bell, Nick Cape, Neven Grgicevich and Robbie Bell.

Alex Reed’s Point Chevalier four produced another shock, not so much in the result – but the scoreline, defeating Mike Galloway’s side 13–3 on their home green in the Round of 16.

Reed’s impressive run continued into the semi-finals before Akaruru-Teinaki’s Ōtāhuhu four edged them 14–13 in a nail-biter. Meanwhile, the other semi-final was an all-Auckland Bowling Club affair, with Faifua’s four dominating clubmates Liam Hill’s side 14–4, forcing a concession with four ends remaining.

The final had an added family flavour, featuring two father-and-son combinations: Ed Tutai and Ed Jr for Ōtāhuhu and Jamie and Ryan Hill for ABC.

In a tactical, low-scoring contest, ABC steadily accumulated singles, building a lead Ōtāhuhu couldn’t overcome. With an end to spare, ABC claimed the title 13–4!

Women’s Singles – Every Bowl Counts!

The Women’s Singles showcased Auckland’s emerging talent, with several expected qualifiers falling during section play. 1–5 representative Lianne Lyons impressed with a victory over Penny Yam, while Kohimarama’s Chris Carroll topped a competitive Section 5. Young guns Henrietta Scott and Lilly Wesche also advanced from challenging sections.

Sunday morning Wesche produced one of the weekend’s standout performances against the vastly experienced Estelle Hickey. With Wesche leading 20–19, Hickey needed two to win. A rare loose end gave Hickey her opportunity, bringing a superb contest to a close and highlighting Wesche as one to watch.

Elsewhere, Tia Moka was making her mark on the Auckland scene following her move from Counties Manukau. Two hard-fought 21–18 victories demonstrated her composure under pressure, booking a finals showdown with Mt Albert’s Esther Eu.

The final was fiercely contested, with Moka edging ahead 12–11 after 17 ends.

Then came the decisive moment!

Moka found another gear, winning five consecutive ends to close out the match and secure her first Bowls Auckland centre championship title! Congratulations, Tia.

A Championship Weekend to Remember!

From surprise results to first-time champions, the opening weekend set the tone for an exciting season. Perhaps equally significant was the successful relocation of an entire championship weekend, made possible by the continued investment in covered greens across Auckland.

A huge thank you to our five covered green host clubs, who stepped up at short notice on Friday afternoon. We also acknowledge the umpires, markers, volunteers and club personnel whose flexibility and commitment made the weekend possible.

To every competitor, thank you for being part of a fantastic opening weekend. Congratulations to our champions and finalists!

The first titles are in the books, and if this weekend is anything to go by, we’re in for another outstanding season of Auckland bowls!