Mt Wellington’s Sam Brack has claimed a rare ABCA Cup double, successfully defending the title in the skip’s role at this weekend’s event. Brack’s 2026 side, featuring John Mulka, Warren Stephens and Ngaire Russell, produced a composed and consistent performance to finish the day unbeaten on 12 points, with 28 ends won. It is an impressive achievement in a competition where every end can make a difference, and where the standard of winter coaching talent on display continues to rise each year.
The ABCA Cup is a short, brutal event that demands focus from the opening bowl through to the final scorecard. With four games completed, there is little time to recover from a slow start or a costly end. Teams need to be consistent, resilient and capable of applying scoreboard pressure when opportunities arise.
That was certainly the case in this year’s edition. The six prizewinning sides all completed the day undefeated on 12 points, with ends won and, in some cases, score differential required to separate them. It made for a tightly contested finish, with several teams in contention until the final rounds were completed.
East was particularly strong across the day, claiming half of the top-six positions. Alongside Brack’s title, Crawford Blair’s team finished third on 12 points and 25 ends, while Katy Merrett’s team was just one end further back in fourth. Merrett’s team held a 14-shot advantage in score differential over South’s Fraema Akaruru-Teinaki, with both sides finishing on 24 ends won. Counties Manukau’s G Mitchell finished second, while West’s D Collins completed the leading group, demonstrating the depth of quality spread across Auckland’s winter coaching programme.
Beyond the prize-winners, the event again showcased the value of the programme in giving players meaningful, competitive opportunities throughout winter. There were strong performances across every zone, with the narrow margins at the top of the table reflecting just how competitive the field was.
A massive thank you to Howick and Pakuranga for once again hosting this pinnacle winter coaching event. Both clubs played an important role in delivering a smooth and enjoyable day for players, coaches and supporters.
Sincere thanks also to Leon Chapman, outgoing President of the now-closed Auckland Bowls Coaches Association, for presenting the trophy and recognising the history of the event.
With the ABCA Cup now complete, the programme will take a short pause before attention turns to the next stage of the season. Representative squads are expected to be named in the coming weeks, with training soon to follow.