Strong Participation in 121st Taranaki Men’s Open Fours Tournament

The 121st Taranaki Men’s Open Fours Tournament is witnessing robust participation, with 182 teams set to compete in the annual event, despite challenges posed by recent road closures. Organisers have expressed dissatisfaction with the closure of State Highway 3 for road repairs, which they believe has impacted attendance, resulting in “a few teams” opting out of the competition. Nonetheless, the tournament, sponsored by the Devon Hotel, is poised for a competitive week starting on Monday.

This year’s tournament features a diverse lineup of players from across Taranaki, with participants hailing from locations such as Urenui in the north, Okato in the west, and Hāwera in the south. In comparison, 180 teams participated in the 2025 tournament, while the last instance of exceeding 182 teams was in 2015.

New Faces and Competitive Spirit

A notable aspect of this year’s event is the absence of defending champion Dan Dickison from Tauranga, along with the runner-up, David Walker from Tahunanui. Only one player from last year’s final, Dave Jones, is returning to compete, representing Taupō in a new team.

Among the 125 visiting teams competing alongside 57 local sides, several squads are expected to make significant progress in the tournament. A key matchup features Craig De Faria from West End, a three-time champion, against the promising Liam Hill from Auckland. Hill’s team includes his grandfather, Neville Hill, who has a history of high placements in the province. This trip carries emotional weight for Neville, as his long-time teammate, Mike Bradshaw, passed away shortly before Christmas.

Regular competitors such as Dan Delany from Royal Oak, Peter Belliss from Aramoho, Petar Sain from Carlton Cornwall, and Brendon Gibson from Johnsonville are also expected to perform well. Additionally, five teams from Australia are participating, further increasing the tournament’s competitive landscape.

Format and Expectations

The tournament format includes each team playing two games of 25 ends over the first four days, with tea breaks provided during matches. To advance to the post-section play, teams must win six out of eight matches. This phase of the competition is scheduled to begin on Friday and will conclude with the finals on Sunday afternoon, contingent on weather conditions.

The dynamic and unpredictable nature of bowls contributes to its appeal, drawing competitors back year after year in pursuit of prestigious titles. With a rich history and a strong turnout this year, the Taranaki Men’s Open Fours Tournament promises to be an exciting event for both players and spectators alike.