The 1–5 Year Pairs Finals went west to Glen Eden Bowling Club over the weekend, bringing together Auckland’s most promising emerging bowlers in a well-hosted and well-supported event. Qualifying rounds played across Te Atatū, Blockhouse Bay and Glen Eden, the competition certainly delivered a high standard of play, and a tricky breeze on Sunday added an extra layer of skill in the mix after a winter season spent under cover.
In the women’s competition, six teams earned the required three wins to reach post-section, but the real story was who didn’t make it. Well-performed players Penny Yam, Hannah Dawson, Katy Merrett and Melanie Swami, along with their respective partners, were all tipped to feature in the knockout rounds. Instead, the mother-daughter duo of Lee and Nicole Singer once again proved too strong, claiming the title for a second consecutive year. Jhanna Savov, making her debut for Royal Oak, paired with Lynette Dixon, finished runners-up after an excellent campaign. Rebecca Brosnan, now a dual member at Pt Chevalier, teamed up with Tracy Brayshaw to finish third equal alongside newcomers Emmalee Tomai and Christian-ly Filipo from Ōtāhuhu Railway.
Ōtāhuhu Railway also shone in the men’s division, with cousins Fraema Akaruru-Teinaki and Thomas Akaruru taking top honours after a strong performance in the final over defending champions Steve Fisher and Peter McConnell. Fraema, now in his fifth year, is hitting his stride as a competitor, backing up his silver in last year’s 1-5 singles and earning his way into the Auckland rep squad. Thirteen duos made it through to post-section, including new faces from Pt Chevalier, Mt Albert and Glen Eden. Sam Brack and Richie Rogers from Mt Wellington shared third equal with Phillip Garratt and Bob McRae from Pakuranga.
A big thank you to Glen Eden Bowling Club for hosting a well-run event. The crowd turnout was outstanding and, while Bathurst played on the big screens, all eyes were firmly on the bowls. A special shout-out to a new addition to our convenor team, Jess Mackinven, who did an amazing job in just her second appointment. It was also fantastic to see new umpires in action, with Bryan Frost (Titirangi) making his first appointment, while Karen Kuzumski (Titirangi/Glen Eden) continues to grow confidently in her role.
The 1–5 events now take a short break as interclub and open centre competitions move into focus. We’ll watch with anticipation to see how the skills and confidence developed over winter translate into the summer season ahead.
👉 Check out full results here
