The opening event of the 25-26 season, the 1–5 Fours, marked a fresh start for players across Auckland. With winter coaching behind them, tournament experience gained, and farewells to those moving beyond the grade, new faces stepped up, eager to make their mark. Played undercover at Royal Oak and Remuera, the weekend was filled with competitive spirit, tactical battles, and memorable performances.
This year’s changes to the conditions of play introduced three wins from four rounds to qualify and the re-spotted jack. Despite slightly longer days, the event successfully wrapped up within a single weekend, which will be key to completing the calendar throughout the year.
Maraetai made a strong return to centre competition through Ross Peden’s quartet. After a tough 5–22 loss to Otahuhu’s Ed Tutai Jnr, they bounced back to upset Hannah Dawson’s side 13–11 before finishing day one in style with a 23–2 win to qualify.
Royal Oak produced four Saturday qualifiers in David Weir (Howick), Steve Fisher (Royal Oak), Sam Brack (Mt Wellington), and Fraema Akaruru-Teinaki (Bridge Park). At Remuera, John Mulka’s St Heliers side secured four wins, with Hooper (Howick), Dawson (Howick), Burns (Royal Oak), Beaumont (Mt Albert), and Peden also qualifying. Tutai Jnr narrowly missed out, falling by a single shot to Mulka in the final round.
The knockout rounds delivered drama from the outset. Hannah Dawson’s experience carried her past Lea Hooper 17–9, while Mike Burns stunned Mulka 19–9 before edging Dawson 14–13 in the quarterfinals. Fisher and Weir advanced comfortably, and Brack’s disciplined Mt Wellington unit dispatched Bridge Park 16–3.
Both semifinals lived up to expectations. Weir edged Brack 13–12 in a nail-biter, while Fisher cruised past his Royal Oak clubmates 23–3.
The final, described by many as one for the ages, pitted Howick’s Weir against Royal Oak’s Fisher. In a thrilling contest, Howick’s rising juniors proved once again they are the team to beat, sealing the title 18–15.
Congratulations to all players for their skill, sportsmanship, and commitment. The 1–5 Fours showcase not only the competitive intensity of 1-5 Bowls in Auckland but also the camaraderie and community spirit that make our game so special.