Studholme Trophy (from Mark Daniels / Stadium Manager)

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If you're new to the club or just wondering what all the buzz is about, let us fill you in! The Studholme Trophy kicks off on Saturday, June 8, 2024, and runs for 12 exciting weeks, wrapping up with the grand finals on August 24. This Year the Studholme trophy is proudly sponsored by Harcourts Wanaka.

Picture this: every Saturday afternoon, teams from local suburbs like Beacon Point, West Wanaka, Aubrey, Pembroke, Albert Town, Village, Hāwea Gold, and Hāwea Blue clash in friendly yet fierce competition. The Hāwea Gold and Hāwea Blue teams bring a bit of extra flair, made up mostly of members from the Hāwea Bowling Club who join us at Wānaka Bowling Club for the winter season.

The Studholme Trophy started in 2006 in memory of beloved Wānaka figure Neil Studholme, and it's become a huge deal since then. Every one of the 12 weeks sees fantastic support, with enthusiastic crowds cheering on the 24 players. Games are thrilling, often decided by the final few bowls, so you won't want to miss a single moment.

For those new to the club or as a new team manager you need a refresher, we have attached the following:

• Map of Wānaka team boundaries. Click here

• Names of Each Team Manager Click here

• The Draw Click here

• The Rules Click here these are from 2021 so some items are different for 2024

Tournament Format:

• Teams: 3 players per team (preferably mixed), with 3 bowls over 10 ends.

• Rolling Team Selection Policy: Everyone gets a chance to play—Purposely stacking teams is frowned upon.

• Playoff Structure: After 10 Saturdays, teams are split into the top 4 and bottom 4 for the final two weeks to crown the overall winner.

• Game Time: Matches start at 1:15 pm, followed by a social hour.

Did You Know?

Each registered Studholme Trophy member gets a number for the 5 pm $50 prize draw—you must be there to claim the prize!

Team Spirit:

• Wear your team colors and bring your loudest cheer! Making noise is not just okay; it's encouraged!

• Keep an ear out for Mark's Monthly reports on Wānaka Radio's Saturday morning sports talk from 10 am.

So, come along, get involved, and be part of the fun, and you'll quickly see why the Studholme Trophy is the talk of the club.

Last year's Winners:

• Champions: West Wanaka

• Runners-Up: Hāwea Blue

Now, let's talk about the colorful cross-town rivalries:

• Beacon Point vs. West Wanaka: This clash is known as the "Battle of the Views." Beacon Point claims they have the best sunsets, but West Wanaka insists their sunrises are unbeatable. Who will reign supreme in the light of day?

• Aubrey vs. Pembroke: The "Clutha Clash" stems from a rivalry as old as the river itself. Aubrey, buoyed by Mount Iron's strength and the Clutha's flow, faces off against Pembroke, whose essence mirrors the lakeside charm and Pembroke Park's vitality. Who will claim victory in this timeless showdown of nature and community?

• Albert Town vs. Village: This matchup is called the "Urban Legend Duel." Albert Town residents swear they have the best local legends and pastries, while Village folk believe their tales are taller. On the bowling green, it's all about proving whose folklore has the most flair.

• Hāwea Gold vs. Hāwea Blue: The "Sibling Rivalry" of the tournament. These two teams from the same club fight it out not just for victory but for family bragging rights. Christmas dinners have never been the same since this rivalry began.