Two of the most dynamic interclub competitions on the Bowls Auckland calendar return this weekend with the Molecheck Pathway 7s and Auckland Cup.

Clubs from across Tāmaki Makaurau will battle for pride – expect intensity and quality competition as teams chase national qualification and, in the case of the Auckland Cup, a significant cash prize and prestige. 

Molecheck Pathway 7s
The 7s format demands versatility across Singles, Pairs and Fours, rewarding teams that combine individual composure with strong unit play.

With the introduction of the new two-day qualifying format, endurance and consistency will be critical. Six seeding rounds will determine post-section positions, removing last season’s controversial byes and ensuring every side earns its pathway the hard way. The cream will rise!

Men’s teams to watch
Howick Hammerheads
Neil Fisher and Carlson Bennett make the switch from their historic Harbour clubs to represent Howick. Expect Stephen Campbell in the singles role, with Fisher and Bennett providing experienced options at skip. Development Rep Matt Wechse, along with Hans Vermulean, Kevin Beasley and Bruce Fenton, round out a well-balanced side, built to be a serious contender this year.

Mt Albert Lions
A membership drive has been bold and intentional and will no doubt be a talking point as individual players position themselves to earn national titles and accolades. Headlined by Blackjacks Tony Grantham and Aiden Takarua, alongside Adam Blucher, Zoran Bartulovich, Mark Posa, Neven Grgicevich and former North Harbour 1–5 rep Nick Cape, this squad has firepower across all disciplines. Mt Albert will hope to go one better again this year after being third in 2024 and runner-up in 2025.

Ōtāhuhu Railway
Mark Hall, Nick Botica, Gene Gregory and Don Faifua anchor the experience, while Auckland 1–5 reps Fraema Akaruru-Teinaki, Thomas Teinaki and Edward Tuatai Jnr add youthful spark. With the right run, this side can absolutely push into the final eight.

Women’s teams to watch
Howick Hammerheads
Defending champions will be hungry for another title. Hannah Dawson is in strong form following recent gold at the Summerset Fours. A side of largely 1-5 players, with the guidance and experience of Les Eagleton, has grown from last year’s national experience.

Auckland Originals
The return of Lisa Prideaux adds intrigue and class. While bowls may not have dominated her time in Australia recently, champions have a way of finding rhythm quickly. Olivia Bloomfield also returns home, fresh from skipping Aggie Motu to a bronze medal at the recent National Fours and a bronze in the National Mixed Pairs with Liam Hill.

Molecheck Auckland Cup
Running alongside the 7s, the Auckland Cup continues to grow in popularity as an interclub event. With prize money and prestige at stake, the format rewards depth, discipline and team culture.

For some clubs, this is about silverware. For others, it is about momentum and belief. The Cup, now in its third year, has become a proving ground for club bowlers to showcase their future pathway potential.

More than results
Interclub bowls is about identity, colours and connection. Experienced skips guiding developing players is a common sight, and sideline support plays a big role.

Head along, your sideline support plays a big role and enjoy a weekend of high-quality competition. Play fair. Represent with pride.

👉Follow results here