It was a successful close to the season for Auckland and Howick bowling clubs, each claiming multiple titles across the six disciplines contested during Finals Weekend at Royal Oak. Despite moving play undercover, the action was high-quality across the disciplines.
Women’s Singles
Lisa Prideaux (Auckland BC) triumphed in a gripping final against Carlton Cornwall’s rising star Henrietta Scott. The score tied 10-all after 10 ends before Prideaux strung together consistent singles to build a narrow lead. Scott battled back to 19-17, but Prideaux held firm to close it out 21-17.
Women’s Triples
Prideaux also featured in the Auckland triples side alongside Aggie Motu and Kimberley Hemingway. After discounting Royal Oak’s McLinden, Young, and Tawharu 21-14 in the semi, they faced Jaime Delany’s Onehunga & Districts side in the final. Auckland BC’s steady head-building saw them dominate, reeling off eight unanswered ends to lead 16-2. Even with a late run of singles from Onehunga, the final ended 18-6.
Men’s Singles
Howick’s Neil Fisher showed class and composure, beating Glen Eden’s Cameron Higgins 21-13 in the semi before facing Matt Berry (Pringle Park) in a thrilling final. Berry had earlier defeated Allan Blackman (Blockhouse Bay) 21-12. In the final, Fisher led early, Berry surged back to 19-all, but it was Fisher who delivered the clutch finish, trailing the jack with his final bowl to claim the title 21-19.
Men’s Triples
Auckland’s Liam Hill-skipped trio swept past the experienced Royal Oak side, 21-13 in the semi with multiple big ends, while Carlton Cornwall’s Chong Du Cheng cruised past Howick 21-6. The final was a tactical battle, with Hill and Motu repeatedly building strong heads and limiting Cheng’s opportunities. Despite some success with weighted shots, Carlton Cornwall couldn’t overcome Auckland’s consistency.
1–5 Singles
Stephen Campbell capped his final 1–5 event with a commanding 21-10 win over Fraema Akaruru-Teinaki, having earlier surprised Ryan Hill 21-7 in the semi. Known for his weight control, Campbell claimed his fifth title and joked it’s now someone else’s turn. In the Women’s event, Penny Yam (Carlton Cornwall) beat Dana Taylor (Howick) 21-12 and followed up with a composed 21-10 victory over Nicole Singer in the final, scoring five 3-counts in the process.
Summary
Auckland and Howick stamped their mark on Finals Weekend, with standout performances from Lisa Prideaux, Neil Fisher, and Stephen Campbell. Strong team efforts in the triples and rising stars in the 1–5 ranks highlighted the depth and talent across the region.
Congratulations to the new champions and thanks to all bowlers participating over the weekend.