This weekend marks the start of the 2025–2026 Centre Events, with the Centre Fours leading a double-header that continues next weekend with the Pairs.
Teams from across Auckland will battle it out in one of the sport’s most traditional disciplines. With qualifying reverting to the three-wins-from-four-games format, players can expect a longer, tougher day, resulting in only the most resilient progressing into Sunday’s post-section, where the event is expected to be completed and a new champion will be crowned!
Last season’s women’s champions, Carlton Cornwall’s quartet of Estelle Hickey, Jordana Franich, Clara Bowman and Helen Blick, are not in the field this year. In 2024, they defeated their club-mates Linda Ralph, Jo Cheng, Lisa Appleyard and Penny Yam 20–11 in the final. Ralph’s side returns in 2025 as early favourites, joined by several well-credentialled contenders skipped by Jaime Delany (O&D), Jane Field (St Heliers), Catherine Bien (St Heliers), Aggie Motu (Mt Albert), and Tessa Farley (Balmoral).
On the men’s side, last year’s final was a thriller. Royal Oak’s Kevin Dixon, Peter Thorne, Danny Delany and John Carruthers edged Mt Albert’s Teo Turua, Nick Thompson, Taiki Paniani and Mark Posa 13–12. The landscape looks very different this season: Turua and Paniani are currently off the scene, Thompson has shifted north of the bridge and Thorne will appear in new colours, joining Chris Lowe at Mt Eden.
A review of the draw shows a wide-open contest with more than a dozen combinations capable of going the distance. Fours always blends strategy, skill and a touch of luck from the rub of the green, and places in Sunday’s post-section will be fiercely contested.
What to keep an eye on
- Fast starts in section play: Momentum early will be crucial for teams chasing three wins.
- Tight knockout matches: With such an even field, many games could go down to the final end.
- Green and venue conditions: Pt Chevalier, East Tamaki, Te Atatū Peninsula, Papatoetoe and Blockhouse Bay are all set to host. With an ominous forecast looming, keep an eye out for updates on venue changes and weather conditions.
Pt Chevalier to host post-section
Pt Chevalier Bowling Club has come a long way since the January 2023 floods that left the facilities in a rough state and greens severely damaged. The club has grown rapidly in social membership while maintaining its commitment to competitive bowls and the wider bowls community, now boasting two natural greens ranked among the best in the region.
Pt Chev is looking forward to welcoming players from across Tāmaki Makaurau and will be offering a $15 buffet lunch for both bowlers and spectators on both days. Even if you are not playing, Pt Chev is the place to be this weekend!
This weekend promises fierce competition and a showcase of endurance, skill and team dynamics. The battle is on, and the season is officially underway.