Auckland’s representative teams produced another strong collective performance over the weekend, displaying consistency across the Premier, Development, and 1–5 divisions to finish top of the table with 71 rink points and a commanding +139 score differential.

While it wasn’t quite the runaway result seen in some previous seasons, the competition proved tighter and more challenging, with several intriguing results across the grades. Nevertheless, Auckland’s overall performance reflected not only the skill and determination of its players but also the depth of coaching and preparation across all levels. Even when results didn’t fully align with expectations, the collective standard remained high enough to secure overall honours once again.

The Men’s 1–5 side led the way with 17 rink points from a possible 24, including a dramatic draw against a new-look North Harbour outfit that ultimately cost them the grade victory by a single rink point. A thrilling singles draw against Northland in round two also proved the decider. The Men’s Development squad added 12 rink points (from 18), while the Premier Men contributed 8 rink points.

Auckland’s Women’s squads were equally impressive. The 1–5 team recorded 16 rink points, underlined by a dominant triple’s performance, while the Development team added 11 rink points and the Premier Women chipped in 7 rink points while trying to find their combinations for future fixtures.

North Harbour finished second overall on 67 rink points (+4), boosted by strong showings from their men’s 1–5 and premier teams but hampered by lower finishes in Development and Women’s 1–5. Bay of Plenty took third with 53 rink points, claiming both Premier titles and the Women’s Development grade but faltering in the Men’s 1–5. Northland, meanwhile, endured a challenging weekend, finishing on 49 rink points, their highlight being a second-place result in Men’s Development.

The weekend once again highlighted the importance of depth, preparation, and adaptability within the Auckland setup. Each squad will take valuable lessons from this opening fixture as attention now turns toward the Battle of the Bridge—a unique Ryder Cup-style event—before preparations intensify for the Octagonal and Intercentre competitions later in the season.