Akaroa are the new holders of the Boyle Cup after defeating Hawarden 3½ to 1½ in a challenge match played on Tuesday 14th July 2026, bringing to an end a remarkable three-year, 16-challenge unbeaten run for Hawarden.
The Boyle Cup, presented to the Christchurch Ladies’ Golf Club in 1914, is one of Canterbury’s most historic inter-club challenge trophies. Administered by the Women’s Committee of the Christchurch Golf Club, the cup is played for under a challenge format, meaning the holding club can be challenged by any affiliated club and must defend the trophy to retain it. Hawarden’s stretch of 15 successful defences over three years stands as a serious achievement in the competition’s long history.
Akaroa made their move count on the day, winning three of the five points on offer. Carolyn Bleach, Judi Grant and Denise Langrope all secured points for the challengers, while Nicky Matthews and Amanda Clark shared a halved match. Erin Mulholland claimed Hawarden’s sole win of the day, but with only 1½ points to Akaroa’s 3½, it was the challengers who left with the trophy. See the full match result – HERE.
Congratulations to Akaroa on becoming the new holders of the Boyle Cup, and to Hawarden on a superb defence spanning three years and 15 challenges — a benchmark that will take some beating.
Full conditions of play for the Boyle Cup can be found HERE.
