Top Contenders Emerge as Finals Picture Sharpens
Next Gen have taken control of the 2025 Caro Bowl season with two more dominant performances in Rounds 5 and 6, defeating Parnell and Royal Oak to open an unassailable lead at the top of the men’s table. Unbeaten this season, they now stand as overwhelming favourites to lift the title.
Parnell’s push for a finals berth took a hit with their heavy loss to Next Gen on Friday, but they responded strongly on Sunday, edging Pakuranga on countback to keep their hopes alive. Parnell hold second place by just one point, with Pakuranga close behind after losses to both Parnell and Next Gen. The battle to see who will join Next Gen in the final comes down to the very last round this Friday.
In the Women’s Caro Bowl, the race at the top is even tighter. Next Gen currently lead the table by two points, though they suffered a setback with their loss to Parnell on Friday night. With Next Gen having completed their round robin, Parnell — still holding a match in hand — can overtake them if they defeat Bucklands Beach this Friday. Bucklands Beach sit comfortably in third but are too far back to challenge for a finals spot.
Parnell No.1 Natalie Espinal was particularly impressive over the weekend, producing a strong win against Next Gen’s Leilany Ipunesso to keep her side firmly in the title hunt.
This Friday promises to be a thrilling close to the round-robin stage, with everything on the line: a men’s finals place, relegation battles, and the question of whether Parnell can claim top spot in the women’s competition.
Full draws, results, and venue information are available in the Caro Bowl section of the Tennis Auckland website. Come along, support your club, and enjoy some of the best tennis New Zealand has to offer!
