Manawatu Bowls Archives
TROPHY CHALLENGES
HURN CUP
HURN CUP – THANK YOU, MR. HURN
The Hurn (or Hurn’s) Cup, which now resides permanently in a glass cabinet at Bowls Feilding, has a long and fascinating history.
While the Cup has been contested by clubs within the Manawatu region in recent years, historical records show it was once played for on a much wider scale. It was originally donated to the Manawatu Bowling Centre in 1898 by Mr A. J. Hurn, proprietor of the Denbigh Hotel in Feilding. Interestingly, despite its early donation, there is no record of it being played for until 1914.
An extract from the Feilding Star dated March 5, 1914, records the first match:
“The first match for the latest addition to the trophies offered for competition among the bowling clubs of this coast, the Hurn Cup, took place on the Feilding green yesterday afternoon. The challengers were a Wednesday rink of young players from the Palmerston Club.
The first rink to do battle for Feilding comprised Chappell, Robertson, McQueen and Stewart (s). Stewart’s rink, with every member drawing like an art class, handed in a card at the finish which showed: Feilding 33, Palmerston 16.
The next challenge is from the Taihape Club, with Terrace End and Gonville to follow.”
Today, a scoring book accompanies a framed photograph of the Cup, and is passed from each winning team to the next. The book reveals a rich competitive history, with past challengers including Waverley, Victoria (Whanganui), Gonville, Oroua, Durie Hill, Taihape, Ohakune, and the original Foxton club.
DIXON CUP / TUCKER BADGES/ MANSON AND BARR CUP
Dixon Cup
TUCKER BADGES
The Dixon Cup is one of the long-standing trophies contested within the Manawatu region, carrying with it a proud tradition of interclub rivalry.
Donated in the early years of organised bowls, the Cup is believed to have been presented by a local supporter of the game, Mr Dixon, whose contribution helped foster competitive play between clubs.
Over the years, the Dixon Cup has been keenly contested, often producing closely fought matches and showcasing some of the region’s strongest combinations. Like many historic trophies, it reflects a time when challenges were regularly issued and defended, creating an ongoing legacy between neighbouring clubs.
Today, the Dixon Cup remains a symbol of competitive spirit and tradition, linking current players with those who helped build the game in Manawatu.
The Tucker Badges hold a unique place in local bowls history, differing from traditional trophies in that they are awarded as individual or team honours rather than a single cup.
Donated by the Tucker family, these badges were introduced to recognise excellence and achievement in competition.
Historically, badges such as these were highly prized, as they were worn and displayed by players as a mark of distinction within the bowling community. They represent not just victory on the day, but consistent performance and sportsmanship.
Through the years, the Tucker Badges have continued to acknowledge outstanding play, maintaining their reputation as a valued and respected accolade within the region.
MANSON AND BARR CUP
The Manson and Barr Cup stands as a significant piece of Manawatu bowling heritage, reflecting the support of local businesses in the early development of the sport.
Donated by Palmerston North businessmen Messrs Manson and Barr. it has a history reaching back to 1912. A silver trophy, in remarkably good order considering its age, was first played for at the Terrace End Bowling Club and was known then as the Easter Cup. The wording on the cup reads:
"Terrace End Bowling Club Easter Cup
Contested over many seasons, the Cup has drawn entries from across the region, often featuring highly competitive encounters. Its history mirrors the growth of bowls in Manawatu, with clubs coming together in both rivalry and camaraderie.
As with many traditional trophies, the Manson and Barr Cup represents more than just success — it is a reminder of the people, organisations, and history that have shaped the game locally.
Harris Stars & Stansell Shield
The Harris Stars and Stansell Shield are part of one of Bowls Manawatū’s long-standing interclub challenge competitions.
A team of four players contests the trophies, comprising two 1–5-year bowlers and two senior bowlers. This format encourages developing players to compete alongside more experienced members while representing their club.
The competition follows the traditional challenge-trophy format. The holders defend the trophies against challenging clubs, with the winning team becoming the new holders. If the game is drawn, the existing holders retain the trophies.
Historical reports confirm that the Harris Stars were actively contested between Manawatū clubs by at least 2011. The Harris Stars and Stansell Shield are now presented and defended together, continuing a valued tradition of club competition, fellowship and player development within Bowls Manawatū.
Although the trophies have a proud history, confirmed information about their original donors and the people whose names they carry has not yet been located.
Ainslie & Fletcher Shields
The Ainslie and Fletcher Shields are among Bowls Manawatū’s oldest interclub challenge trophies.
Historical newspaper records show that the Ainslie Shield was being contested by at least 1919, when Woodville Bowling Club sent two teams to challenge Feilding for the trophy.
The Fletcher Shield was established later but was actively contested within Manawatū by at least 1933.
Today, the shields are contested together by two teams of four players from each club. The holders defend the trophies against challenging clubs, with the successful club becoming the new holder. If the overall result is tied, the winning margins are compared to determine the result.
The continued competition for these historic shields reflects more than a century of friendly rivalry, fellowship and tradition among bowling clubs throughout Manawatū.
Although their long history is well documented, confirmed information about the original donors or the people whose names the trophies commemorate has not yet been located.
