The 2026 Shade Systems Champion of Champions Singles arrive this weekend, bringing together club champions from across Auckland for one of the most respected titles on the centre calendar.
Fresh off her success in claiming the Centre Singles title, Hannah Dawson steps straight into another major challenge. Her opening round of 16 match sees her face Rima Strickland of Grey Lynn, the only player in this year’s women’s field to have previously won the event, having lifted the title in 2021.
Several of Auckland’s emerging 1–5 rep players feature in the field, including Tracey Brayshaw (Pt Chevalier), Katy Merrett (Balmoral), Ting-Ting Ip (Howick), and Donna Davison (St Heliers). All four have been part of the growing depth in women’s bowls in Auckland and will be eager to test themselves against proven club champions.
There is also plenty of experience in the mix. Lesley McLinden of Royal Oak, Rachel Hancock of Onehunga & Districts, and Trish Croot of New Lynn bring strong competitive credentials and will be difficult opponents for anyone across the weekend.
One of the most pleasing features of this year’s draw is the number of new faces taking part, both in the form of new club champions and growing representation from smaller clubs. Piha and Maraetai both have female representation in this year’s event, a significant and positive sign for clubs continuing to grow their playing base and provide opportunities for women to compete at centre level.
In the men’s event, 2024 champion Mike Galloway returns and will no doubt be considered by many as the favourite. As always, the Champion of Champions Singles offers little room to ease into the tournament, with every player arriving as a club champion and every match carrying genuine danger.
Several key names are expected to feature strongly. Dean Edge (St Heliers), Stephen Campbell (Howick), Craig Moffatt (Blockhouse Bay), and Patrick Stanaway (Carlton Cornwall) all shape as serious contenders.
The ever-experienced Kerry Dye (Henderson) is another who should not be taken lightly. A proven singles player and often the oldest in the field at 86, Dye recently made post-section in the Centre Singles and has the relaxed temperament and game management to trouble anyone in this format.
Dye faces Campbell in his opening match, with the two sharing a similar style defined by consistent draw bowls and precise head movement. Like Galloway, Campbell has built a notable record in singles events over the past couple of seasons and will be looking to make another deep run, knowing that Galloway is on the opposite side of the draw and cannot be encountered until the final.
Matches get underway this Saturday at 9:00am, with three rounds to be played. The semi-finals and finals will be played at Remuera from 9:00am on Sunday, alongside the 1–5 Triples finals on the outdoor green.
With players chasing not only individual honours, but the chance to proudly represent their club on one of the centre’s biggest Champion of Champions stages, expect to see some top-quality bowls from Auckland’s latest group of club champions.