The 2023 Summerset National Singles and Pairs will be hotly contested next month, with the number of entries reflecting the highest participation rate in twenty years.
Hosted by the Auckland and North Harbour centres, more than a dozen qualifying and post-section greens will be in play as the search begins for this season’s national champions.
In the men’s action, 328 participants will line-up for the men’s singles – up from 280 last year, while 205 pairs’ combinations will take to the green, an increase of 23 on the number of entries in Christchurch.
The women’s field will see 127 entrants in the women’s singles – up from 110 last year, while 88 pairings will do battle in the pairs, an increase of eight teams overall.
A slight decrease in entries will see 30 names contest the Open Disability Singles, while 14 combinations will line-up for the Open Disability Pairs – both disciplines on par with previous versions of this event.
While entries have now closed, late entries to fill the existing byes will be accepted in the men’s pairs and women’s singles. To express your interest, please contact Bowls New Zealand directly.
Commenting on the overall entries, Bowls New Zealand chief executive Mark Cameron said it was a pleasing endorsement of format changes made several years ago.
“It’s certainly great to see an increase in numbers, and that’s been largely down to the splitting of the Nationals between the North and South Island - particularly the separation of the fours and mixed pairs from the singles and pairs,” Cameron said.
“The format allows bowlers to pick and choose what works for them, with some attending one of the events and others travelling to both - that’s a personal choice, but overall we have a very strong field in all disciplines. We can’t wait to get underway.”
The Summerset National Singles, Pairs and Disability disciplines will take place from 2 January to 9 January 2023, while the Fours and Mixed Pairs will be held in Central Otago from 23 February to 2 March.
For any assistance entering the Fours or Mixed Pairs, email events@bowlsnewzealand.co.nz