27/08/2026
Nulook U26 5-a-side: North Harbour's first invite to this prestigious national event.
The weekend of August 22 & 23 August, North Harbour's youngest representatives travelled to Wellington and did the centre proud as they rose to the challenge and faced off against the best of the country's next generation of bowlers.
The team demonstrated a high standard of play, great sportsmanship, and proved that North Harbour’s u26 team is one to keep your eyes on in the future.
The experience and steady nature of the Barracudas’ Kyson Buchan was pivotal to the side's successthis weekend. His game changing shots and encouraging nature made him his teammates’ biggest supporters on the green and off. Browns Bay’s Max Yates provided a steady backbone to the triples and fours combinations. Max also went deep into the Super Singles Shootout, finishing 2nd equal in the Shanghai Singles consolation format. The pair made a formidable combination as a three and skip, despite both only being 13 years old and competing against combinations a decade older and far more experienced.
Hobsonville's Youth Program graduates Jeremy and Jasmine were among the newest and youngest competitors in the field. Alongside Liam in the Pairs, Jeremy faced the reigning champs in the very first round. Despite the nerves, the pair held their own against a strong Canterbury side, with the final score not truly reflecting the quality of their bowls.
Jasmine was another player who overcame her nerves and performed well beyond her level of experience. She remained a steady force throughout the tournament, consistently setting up the head well before pulling all the stops out in the final triples game against Gisborne, playing a key role in a remarkable comeback victory.
The management team unanimously agreed that the stand out player of the weekend was none other than Sunnybrae's Liam Staines. The now 19 year old (who celebrated his birthday over the weekend with the team) recorded two outstanding victories; one against Wairarapa's Taui White and the other against Gisborne in the pairs, where he skipped fellow team mate Ryan in a remarkable display of composure and leadership.
Last but not certainly not least, a special mention goes to Ryan Hill for making himself available as our super sub. He slotted in wherever needed and was the ultimate team player, ensuring his youngest teammates felt supported and confident whenever they took to the green.
A big congratulations to the comp winners, Nulook Nomads for taking out the U26 5-A-Side National title.
Overall, it was an incredibly well run tournament thanks to Blake and his team from Bowls Wellington. To all the players, you deserve a special shout out. You are the next generation of bowlers and we could not be more proud to witness the comradery, sportsmanship (win or lose) and pure class on display. Bring on next year!!
