The curtain comes down on the 2026 Shade Systems Champ of Champs Series this weekend with the Mixed Pairs at New Lynn. And if the previous events are anything to go by, there is every chance the final chapter will deliver plenty of action.
The COC Mixed Pairs is still a relatively new event, now in its third year, but it has already found its own place on the calendar. Mixed gender seems to bring a different energy to the green, attracting a wider range of spectators and building club pride both on and off the green.
There is no shortage of teams worth watching. Stephen Campbell and Dana Taylor from Howick shape as one of the form combinations, with both players having enjoyed their share of success this season. They benefit from a bye into the bottom third of the round of 16, where there is no shortage of potentially competitive matchups.
Pringle Park’s Mark Posa and Jeni Hart also sit in that third quarter and demand attention. This duo features two very strong lead players in representative settings, and with that comes the potential to build heads, apply pressure and take numbers when the opposition are caught napping.
Royal Oak’s Kevin Dixon and Rebecca Brosnan are another pairing capable of making noise. Dixon’s record is well known, while Brosnan is riding high after bringing North Harbour’s 1–5 COC Singles title back over the south side of the bridge last weekend. They meet the very experienced Dan Delany, who teams with past 1–5 rep Hemoata Brown, in an opening matchup that will no doubt be worth sitting on the sideline for.
East Tāmaki’s Trish Croot joins the fold as the club’s only full-playing female member, teaming up with fellow Bowls Auckland selector and coach Ian Fisher. East Tāmaki has, for some time, been seen as a “men’s” club, but serious efforts are being made to change that. The club is creating opportunities for women bowlers to gather, form new combinations and be presented with meaningful playing opportunities, including interclub.
Waiting for East Tāmaki in the opening round are the defending champions, Adam Blucher and Marion Hakaraia from Te Atatū Peninsula. Blucher and Hakaraia have already featured heavily throughout the series, competing in the fours, pairs and triples. For Blucher especially, this event presents one last chance for game time and a possible title before heading to Singapore in two weeks to play in a World Bowls invitational U26 at the Lion City Cup.
Davey Motu and Aggie Motu playing for Auckland Bowling Club is a pairing that will naturally attract interest. David’s recent form has consistently produced deep runs across multiple competitions this season. Aggie and David won the first-ever COC Mixed Pairs title in 2024, which was played under open conditions, following its late addition to the calendar.
The Mixed Pairs is rarely predictable, and that is exactly what makes it such a fitting finale. After a Champ of Champs Series filled with upsets, breakthrough performances and established names rising and falling, New Lynn is the place to be this weekend. With the return of Bowl-a-500, another Family Day activation, and the kitchen and bar open throughout, the club will be buzzing as supporters roll up behind their champions, and we discover who will take the 2026 crown.