Searching for the Perfect Match Up!
There is something quite poetic about a group of singles coming together on Valentine’s Day, but for Auckland’s future stars, love will possibly take a back burner as they chase a title on this particular Sunday morning.
A total of 102 competitors, comprising 69 men and 33 women, will take to the greens in pursuit of the coveted Auckland 1–5 Singles titles. One of the biggest talking points this year is that Bowls Auckland’s performance programme is no longer limiting players to the 1–5 ranks. As a result, six player 1-5 players, will instead line up for the development squads Octagonal, and even more impressively, Steve Fisher and Hannah Dawson have earned selection in the premier representative sides.
This shift reflects the hard work, skill, and dedication being demonstrated by Auckland’s emerging players, and provides clear proof that commitment and perseverance continue to open doors at the highest levels.
For many 1–5 performance squad members, this event presents a final opportunity to press their claims for octagonal selection, which will be played four weeks later in Tauranga. With teams being named on Wednesday following the event, strong performances across the weekend could provide selectors with compelling reasons to include players in the travelling squads.
Last year’s men’s runner-up, Fraema Akaururu-Teinaki, will be quietly confident entering the men’s event, particularly with Howick’s Stephen Campbell now out of eligibility. Campbell, a three-time 1–5 Singles champion, joked that he would be passing the torch in 2026, leaving Akaruru-Teinaki as an early favourite. Fellow Auckland squad members Craig Moffat, who has enjoyed success in singles campaigns, will also be looking to make his mark. Sam Brack, Phillip Garrett, and Peter McConnell have all shown their capability in singles formats and will be strong contenders.
The women’s event promises equally compelling storylines. Defending champion Penny Yam faces a challenging section draw, where she will need to overcome North Harbour 1–5 representative Deanne Bronlund, who also plays out of Royal Oak on this side of the bridge and is well known for her competitive presence on the green. Section Five shapes as another highlight, featuring Sacha Collins, who has produced several impressive singles performances in her short tenure, alongside Dana Taylor, Adele Nelson, and exciting young prospect Christian Ly.
Howick’s rising talent Lilly Wesche is certainly another player to watch. While her path to the latter stages will not be straightforward, her rapid development suggests a breakthrough performance may not be far away.
With several established names moving out of the 1–5 grade, there is also an exciting level of unpredictability within this year’s field. Mt Albert, Pt Chevalier, and Pringle Park have all experienced strong growth in junior numbers this season, and they will be well represented by new faces eager to make their presence known.
Play will be spread across Auckland on Saturday, before all post-section continuing at Carlton Cornwall on Sunday. Under the section winners’ format, three matches will be played on Saturday evening, leaving 16 men and eight women progressing to finals day. The men’s field will be reduced early Sunday morning, before both divisions contest quarter finals from approximately 10:30 am, building through to the crowning of two new champions.
Stay up to date here for draws and live results.