Kia ora {{First Name}},
Last night around a dozen members attended the final coaching session with Steve Clifton (above) followed by drinks and a presentation of appreciation. Steve is moving to Waihi (as he said, only a couple of hours down the road) so it was an opportunity to once again recognise the contribution he's made to Rocky Nook Bowls.

Steve has been a key champion for and driver of the club's resurgence over the last 10 years, not only in coaching our Team Kōtare reps- including a current Auckland rep- but in guiding the club in its strategic plan and advocating for us at Centre and National level.

The weather turned it on for one final session with Steve, attended by a number of new and future members, and we were glad to be able to provide a fitting send off. That said, he will be back up in the big smoke to represent the club with Wayne Wood in the Champ of Champs Pairs in May!

Monday night coaching continues until the end of April with drills and practice matches and all members are encouraged to attend if they want to improve their consistency of delivery and game strategy. There is also a intention to begin scheduling more opportunities for all members- not just Full Playing members- to play competitive club bowls.

club champ pairs
As mentioned, Steve and Wayne are our 2026 Club Pairs Champs. Runners-up were Colin Marychurch & Richard Fuller.

Wind was playing tricks all day but there was still plenty of quality bowling and close games. Well done to all competitors, 4 teams made for a proper competition, and thanks to the match committee and greenkeeper, Jamie, for a lovely green after a wet night.

Pics below…

len davidson memorial open pairs
Congratulations to RNB's own Richard Fuller and Sean Carroll on winning the sixth annual Len Davidson Memorial Open Pairs last weekend as part of our 125th anniversary. As an anniversary event we showcased the club's history and all participants received a limited edition commemorative badge.

The green was magnificent thanks to Jamie Hill, and praised by many of our visitors from other clubs, helping to make for a fantastic day's bowling- alongside a festive Auckland Irish Club- with 32 participants representing clubs from Orewa to Mangere Bridge, and including Len’s son and grandson- who came 4th as well as returning members Chris and Karen Dewar, and Teresa Cowie. Another successful Open.

upcoming events and tournaments
MARCH
21st: Champ Triples 

APRIL
26th: AC Fours* 

MAY
2nd: Handicap Singles

*New event: this replaces the Champ Fours to allow for a greater field and more opportunity for Jr members in this comptition. 

To register for these and other club events, and for more info, visit our website, https://www.rockynookbowls.nz/clubtournaments. A reminder that we also post calls for entry to events at other clubs on the Comps/ NZ/AKL Tournaments page of our website.

rocky nook auckland rep
Whakamihi to the AKL 1-5Y squad on winning the North Island Octagonal in Tauranga over the weekend, including our very own Morgan McConnell!

This is a wonderful achievement in his first full year and a credit to the club and Coach Steve Clifton. Looking forward to see how he goes in the Winter competitions leading into next season. 

Full Octagonal results here.

one more thing…
update: Ray White's sponsor stickers reprinted and reaffixed to our new mats! (Thanks Sean and Chris)

Mā te wā,
Rocky Racoon

A huge thank you to long-time RNB supporters, Classic Comedy Club, 321 Queen Street

The Classic has been hosting members and providing tournament and event prizes for nearly 10 years now and continues to be a generous supporter. If you've never visited the countries best then make a date to find out why it's the country's longest-running comedy club - you'll love the experience.