Metro A Interclub Season Wrap-Up
The 2025/26 Metro A Interclub season delivered a highly competitive round robin phase, with several teams in contention for finals positions deep into the campaign.
Bottle Lake set the benchmark across the regular season, finishing top of the table with 7 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie to claim 15 section points. Clearwater followed closely in second on 14 points, while Russley (13 points) and Christchurch (12 points) rounded out the top four to secure semi-final berths. With only a narrow margin separating the leading teams, the stage was set for an exciting finals series.
The semi-finals, played on 19 April, produced two strong performances. Christchurch delivered an impressive upset over top qualifiers Bottle Lake, winning 6.5 to 1.5 at Waitikiri. In the other semi-final, Russley overcame Clearwater with a solid 5–3 victory, also at Waitikiri.
This set up a final between Christchurch and Russley, played at Harewood on 3 May. In a closely contested match, Russley proved too strong, claiming a 5–3 win to secure the Metro A title.
Russley made a fast start in the final, winning the top three matches through Robert Blount (5/4), Karl Oellerman (3/2), and John Connell (3/2), immediately putting Christchurch under pressure. Christchurch responded through Phil Loughnan and Tony Park, who both recorded 3/2 victories to keep their side in contention.
However, Russley maintained control through the middle order, with Steve Cleave producing the most dominant win of the day (7/5), while Darryl Gold added another important point with a hard-fought 4/3 victory. Brent Musgrave secured Christchurch’s third point with a 2/1 win, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap as Russley’s early momentum proved decisive.
Congratulations to Russley on an outstanding finals performance to take out the Metro A championship, and to all teams for contributing to a competitive and high-quality season.
To view the full 25/26 Metro A season info – Click Here
Metro B Interclub Season Wrap-Up
The 2025/26 Metro B Interclub season saw a tightly contested round robin, with two teams clearly setting the pace across the competition.
Bottle Lake and Clearwater both completed outstanding regular seasons, each finishing undefeated with 6 wins and 2 ties to share top spot on 14 section points. Bottle Lake claimed top seeding courtesy of a higher match points tally, while Waimairi Beach and Coringa filled the remaining semi-final positions after consistent campaigns.
The semi-finals, played on 19 April, delivered two competitive encounters. Bottle Lake produced a strong performance to defeat Coringa 6.5 to 1.5. In the other semi-final, Clearwater and Waimairi Beach could not be separated after finishing tied at 4–4, with Clearwater advancing to the final following a playoff hole.
The final, played at Harewood on 3 May, provided a fitting conclusion between the competition’s two standout teams. In an incredibly even contest, the match once again finished locked at 4–4, requiring a playoff to determine the champion.
Clearwater made early inroads through wins to Jason Carson (2/1), Donald Arthur (6/4), John Boyle (1 up), and Scott Mitchell (2/1). Bottle Lake responded strongly, with Connor Williams (2/1), Lance Smith (5/4), Ryan James (3/2), and Michael Smith (4/2) each securing crucial victories to level the tie.
The title was ultimately decided in dramatic fashion, with Bottle Lake’s Connor Williams securing the championship on the second playoff hole to seal the Metro B title.
Congratulations to Bottle Lake on an outstanding season and well-earned championship, and to Clearwater for pushing the final to the very end in a high-quality contest.
To view the full 25/26 Metro B season info – Click Here
