Winterclub returns this Sunday, with a record 42 sides representing 26 clubs preparing to brave the winter conditions across Auckland for the opening round of the 2026 competition.

This popular winter event continues to grow, bringing together clubmates, emerging players and experienced campaigners for three weeks of mostly social bowls before competition gets serious on Finals Day on Sunday, 9 August.

Week One will be played across seven venues, with Mt Eden, Ōtāhuhu Railway, Papatoetoe, Carlton Cornwall, Blockhouse Bay, Remuera, and St Heliers all hosting play.

With two matches scheduled each week, teams will need to make a strong start and remain consistent throughout the competition. Every result will be important as sides compete for rankings in the four final flights.

The competition’s unique bonus-fours scoring system will once again place added importance on every rink. Teams will need to balance their line-ups carefully, understanding that bonus points can make or break games, as differential is expected to be the deciding factor between the placings.

Introduced this year is re-spotting dead ends, bringing the E-COP in line with all other Bowls Auckland non-pathway events, while misdelivered jacks must be returned and delivered again.

As a centre competition, players are encouraged to proudly represent their clubs by wearing club uniform wherever possible. However, with cold temperatures expected, player comfort remains the priority, and warm layers may be worn alongside visible club colours.

Winterclub has always been about more than results. It provides an opportunity for players from across Auckland to enjoy meaningful competition during the colder months, strengthen connections within their clubs and test themselves, putting those skills learnt in the winter months to use against teams they may not regularly encounter.

A huge thank you goes to the clubs hosting during Week One, along with those who have committed to hosting throughout the competition. Their support, alongside the work of recorders, duty teams and club volunteers, is essential to delivering an event of this size.

With a record field, plenty of club pride and six rounds of competition ahead, the scene is set for an exciting Winterclub campaign.

Good luck to all 42 sides taking part. We look forward to seeing who can make an early statement when play gets underway this Sunday.