It’s Shade Systems Champion of Champions Pairs weekend, and with it comes all the flair, pressure and excitement that makes the pairs discipline so compelling. It is a format built on trust, timing and the occasional risk/reward call, while still leaving room for the age-old debate over who the most important member of a pairs team really is; all good leads know it’s important to let the skip think they are in charge.

Several quality duos line up in the women’s event this weekend. Dana Taylor has been in outstanding form this season and takes the lead role for young star Hannah Dawson, who returns fresh from a training camp in Christchurch this week. There is more young talent in the field through Henrietta Scott and Rebecca Brosnan of Royal Oak, a pair with more than enough ability and experience to make waves. They open their campaign against Bridge Park’s Sandra Taylor and Loa Tukuitoga.

Maroi Pereeti and Jo Cheng pose a strong Auckland BC threat. Quiet, composed, and often a little underrated, this duo has plenty of potential to go deep. Wendy Jensen and Jeni Hart of Pringle Park are now a seasoned pairing, having combined many times before with success, while plenty of experience also comes through Estelle Hickey and Helen Blick of Carlton Cornwall, along with Doreen Jensen and Philly Akaruru of Ōtāhuhu Railway.

The men’s event also offers plenty of quality first-round matchups, particularly at New Lynn. Steve Fisher comes in for Marty Dixon, recovering from knee surgery to team up with Mike Galloway. They open against Pringle Park brothers Michael and Colin Haysham in what shapes as a fascinating contest.

Another eye-catching clash sees Adam and Peter Blucher (Te Atatū) take on Peadar MacElvanna and “John-Boy” Geboers (Epsom). These four are all very familiar with one another, and that familiarity should only add to the edge and intrigue of the match-up. Chris Lowe and Peter Thorne (Mt Eden) have also drawn a tough opener, facing last year’s defending champions Tony Grantham and Randell Watkins from Mt Albert. There will be big pressure early across all these contests.

Over at Remuera, there is plenty of old-school experience on show, with Graham King and Neville Hill of Onehunga & Districts joined in the field by Darral Gordon and Glenn Newton of Auckland Bowling Club. Sam Brack and Ritchie Rogers of Mt Wellington may benefit from some of the bigger names being drawn together at New Lynn, but that is not to say their path will be easy; there will be challenges waiting at every turn, especially with strong pairings from Howick, Auckland and Ōtāhuhu around them in the draw.

With club pride, national qualification and Champ of Champs honours all on the line, this weekend promises another full dose of drama. Pairs is a discipline where momentum can swing quickly, combinations are tested under pressure, and one well-timed conversion can change the course of a game. Expect sharp heads, bold calls and plenty of dynamic duos chasing their place at the top.

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