Bowls England is delighted to announce the players that have been selected for the British Isles Internationals, that promise to be the highlight of a packed summer of international bowls.
England will take on Scotland, Ireland, Jersey and Wales at Victoria Park in Royal Leamington Spa from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 June inclusive, for the British Isles Series. Spectators can enjoy world-class bowls free of charge by registering for a free ticket – more information may be found at bowlsengland.com/British-isles.
This year’s event will see a full green for each international match, with all six rinks earning points for the team and contributing to the overall score – generating atmosphere and the unique home nations rivalry for players and spectators alike. All matches will be played using World Bowls and Commonwealth Games disciplines.
England’s team sees a first senior call-up for Dominic McVittie (Lincolnshire) and Ryan Whitlock (Devon) whilst Emily Kernick (Warwickshire) will also make her international debut on her home green, following her claiming the Rising Star title at the Bowls England Awards. There are also recalls for three members of the 2023 World Championship team – Sam Tolchard (Devon), Sian Honnor (Kent) and Katherine Rednall (Norfolk).
Performance Director, Mo Monkton said, “International bowls is vitally important to showcase our sport to the wider public and to provide a platform for our most talented bowlers. The British Isles International Series is fundamental to this. We are confident that the event will provide many memorable matches across the three days of play and we’d welcome supporters to come along and cheer on the England team.”
The team has been selected following the Senior Trials last Saturday (18th May) where players came together at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa, under the watchful eye of our Performance Team.
The British Isles Internationals will be the first outing this summer for the England squad, which is supported by principal partner Aviva. Players will be showcasing the partnership across the England kit that was launched last year in conjunction with long-standing apparel partners Aceit.
Whilst selected players are already in the heat of battle at club and county level, many are taking time from their busy schedules to visit clubs and inspire new players for Bowls’ Big Weekend 2024. The event, taking place from 24th to 27th May, is a staple of the annual bowls calendar, showcasing the power of the grassroots game and the inclusivity of our sport.
England players, including our 2023 World Championship Gold Medal winning team – Sophie Tolchard, Jamie-Lea Marshall and Amy Pharaoh – plus 2022 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallists Nick Brett and Sian Honnor will be among those attending clubs to inspire the next generation of international bowlers.
Find your nearest participating club and sign up for free at here.
BRITISH ISLES TICKETS
Entry to the British Isles Championships and Series at Royal Leamington Spa is free of charge but we advise you to book a free ticket in advance. More information about the event may be found here.
Team (listed alphabetically by surname):
Men:
Lewis Baker (Brampton BC, Huntingdonshire)
Nick Brett (Brampton BC, Huntingdonshire)
Joe Dawson (Kingscroft BC, Leicestershire)
Harry Goodwin (Appleyard BC, Kent)
James Hampton (Topsham BC, Devon)
Kevin Harrison (Aspatria BC, Cumbria)
Tom McGuinness (Gerrards Cross BC, Buckinghamshire)
Dominic McVittie (Royal Mail Cart BC, Lincolnshire)*
Tristan Morton (Parkway BC, Huntingdonshire)
Sam Tolchard (Kings BC, Devon)#
Andrew Walters (Welford BC, Warwickshire)
Ryan Whitlock (Shaldon BC, Devon)*
Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC, Norfolk)
Ed Morris (Essex County BC, Essex)
Jamie Walker (Culm Vale BC, Devon)
Travelling reserve:
Perry Martin (Boscombe Cliff BC, Hampshire)
Non-travelling reserves:
Andrew Briden (Gerrards Cross BC, Buckinghamshire)
Martin Spencer (Royal Mail Cart BC, Lincolnshire)
Nick Wardle (Kingscroft BC, Leicestershire)
Captain:
Sam Tolchard (Kings BC, Devon)
Team Manager:
Kirk Smith (Gerrards Cross BC, Buckinghamshire)
Women:
Stef Branfield (Clevedon BC, Somerset)
Annalisa Dunham (Burton House BC, Lincolnshire)
Katherine Hawes-Watts (Oxford City & County BC, Oxfordshire)
Ruby Hill (Cleethorpes BC, Lincolnshire)
Laura Holden (Clevedon BC, Somerset)
Sian Honnor (Appleyard BC, Kent)#
Emily Kernick (Royal Leamington Spa BC, Warwickshire)*
Lorraine Kuhler (Oxford City & County BC, Oxfordshire)
Jamie-Lea Marshall (Kingscroft BC, Leicestershire)
Amy Pharaoh (Cleethorpes BC, Lincolnshire)
Katherine Rednall (Norfolk BC, Norfolk)#
Nicole Rogers (Kings BC, Devon)
Harriett Stevens (Kings BC, Devon)
Sophie Tolchard (Kings BC, Devon)
Rebecca Wigfield (Desborough Town BC, Northamptonshire)
Reserve:
Chloe Brett (Brampton BC, Huntingdonshire)
Non-travelling reserves:
Emma Cooper (Kings BC, Devon)
Emily Ferguson (Appleyard BC, Kent)
Kirsty Richards (Royal Leamington Spa BC, Warwickshire)
Captain:
Amy Pharaoh (Cleethorpes BC, Lincolnshire)
Team Manager:
Sandy Hazell (Appleyard BC, Kent)
* New cap
# Recall