Nelson and Stoke bowls clubs have claimed national honours at the 2026 Summerset Bowls New Zealand National Interclub Sevens, which concluded under cover at the Naenae Bowling Club last weekend.
Nelson Bowling Club took out the women’s interclub sevens title, while Stoke Bowls were crowned men’s champions, capping a standout tournament for the region.
The Nelson women’s team of Jo Edwards MNZM, Kay Hammond, Val Smith ONZM, Di Holland, Lillian Wilkinson, Debra Lloyd and Linda Sisterson delivered a composed finals campaign to secure the national title.
Kay Hammond’s performance was further recognised with the Silver Star award, acknowledging her success across five premier national events. Nelson and New Zealand legends Val Smith and Jo Edwards also received their 16th Silver Star awards.
According to Val, the tournament was another example of the strength of female bowls in the Nelson region.
“It’s a special event. It’s the biggest event you can play with your club teammates, and so your depth is really tested. Camaraderie and closeness really does play a part, and our training ethic and professional attitude was a big factor over the course of the event.”
In the men’s competition, Stoke Bowls claimed the title through a demanding knockout path that included Burnside Bowling Club in the quarter-finals, Stokes Valley in the semi-finals and Auckland in a dramatic final.
The winning Stoke side was Shannon McIlroy, Don Ambrose, Robbie Reed, Ricky Edwards, Greg Reed, Peter Hodson and Nicholas Tomsett.
Centre officials say the results highlight the depth of bowls talent coming out of the Top of the South, with success coming despite the region’s comparatively small population base.
Ricky Edwards, playing in his first national event, says the format was a steep learning curve.
“I was playing in the fours so there was roughly eight minutes between my shots. So it was very switch/switch off.”
Playing on different greens also posed challenges, particularly the indoor surface at Naenae.
“Playing on different greens was tough, like the Naenae indoor. It’s a 40 metre green, and caught me out a little bit.”
He credited the team balance for Stoke’s success.
“Having someone like Shannon playing the singles, who didn’t lose a game, was awesome. Then Nic and Rob in the pairs was amazing to watch.”
