Curler, coach and World Curling Hall of Fame member Pete Becker had four children and four grandchildren competing in the event, with all four children reigning national champions in their respective teams and two grandchildren placed 2nd and 3rd.
Winning skip Bridget Becker has been part of the winning team 16 times, and Sean Becker 13 times.
Seven men's and five women's teams were entered in the national contest with athletes coming from around the country, ranging from top New Zealand representatives to secondary school students — emerging curlers as young as 14-years-old.
A round-robin format with the best of three finals was used to get the most consistent team as champions. Teams ranked first in their division advanced directly to the finals with the runners up
playing off for a spot in the final.
The winners will represent New Zealand at October’s World Curling Pan Continental curling championships in the United States.
After the men’s round robin Team Becker — skip Sean Becker, brothers, Scott and James, Jared Palanuik and Warren Dobson — tied with team de Boer — Peter de Boer, Phil Dowling, Kenny Thomson and Phil Dowling. As Team Becker won the sixth game they advanced to the final.
The last round-robin game determined the semifinalists with Team de Boer ultimately facing Team Becker. Becker prevailed and won 8-5.
In the women’s competition Team GT — skip Bridget Becker, Holly Thompson, Ruby Kinney and Rachael Pitts — all New Zealand representatives, were undefeated in their round robin.
Team GT and Team Russell — Olivia Russell, Ellie McKenzie, Tahlia Petersen and Tylah James — faced off in the finals, with skip Becker competing against her niece Russell. The more experienced Team GT took the title.
The Wendy Becker Sportsmanship Award for those who by deed and action in the course of their performance, best exemplified the traditional curling values of skill, honesty, fair play, friendship and sportsmanship was awarded to Ruby Kinney and Ben Smith.
