This is it! The 2022 Bowls England National Finals are very nearly upon us. Thirty five counties venture to Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa to compete on the five hallowed greens. Here, thirty three competitions are to be won and the atmosphere will be electric!
It will be the culmination of player’s efforts over the past five months, battling their way through County and Regional stages to get to the National Finals and we can’t wait to see the scintillating action get underway! All of the competitors involved, from across the country, take to the greens with one goal – to win.
Fresh from sensational success at Birmingham 2022, seven of Team England’s medal winners and two managers will be competing at the National Finals. Women’s Triples Gold medal winner, Jamie-Lea Winch, will be competing in the Women’s Triples alongside Sally-Ann Lewis-Wall and Para Team Manager, Helen Lewis-Wall for Kingscroft BC, Leicestershire. Reigning Men’s Two Bowls Singles champion Sam Tolchard will be looking to keep the trophy in his possession after he picked up a Silver and Bronze at Birmingham 2022. Louis Ridout won Gold in the Men’s Triples and Bronze in the Men’s Fours. At the Nationals, Ridout is going for glory in the Men’s Champion of Champions.
After claiming Gold in the Men’s Pairs at the 2022 European Championships in Scotland, Essex’s Ed Morris will be hoping to win the National Men’s Pairs with Christopher Muir from Essex County. European Silver medallist in the Men’s Fours, Kent’s Harry Goodwin will be hoping for success in the Men’s Champion of Champions, Men’s Junior Singles (Runner Up in 2021) and White Rose Trophy.
On Day One, Thursday 25th August, bowling action begins with the Men’s and Women’s Triples. 2019 Champions Julie Leake, Bridget Hodder and Penny Cresswell from Poole Park BC, Dorset will be looking to reclaim the title. The National Finals end on Day Eighteen, Sunday 11th September, with the Women’s Senior Fours, Mixed Fours, Balcomb Trophy and Walker Cup. In the Balcomb Trophy, Essex will be vying to triumph again after they last won the competition in 2017.
Alongside the sporting action, this is also a delightful social occasion. It’s an opportunity to meet friends old and new, enjoy the summer sunshine and savour superb quality sport. Building on the National Finals of 2021, we are enhancing the experience at the Finals. Alongside grandstand seating, this includes a revamped schedule to make the weekend action jam-packed with drama and excitement! This year the retail village and catering, better positioned for spectators to access without missing a beat of the action.
We look forward to seeing Victoria Park burst into life as it did for the Commonwealth Games. All the very best to all the competitors and we wish everyone in support a very enjoyable experience at the 2022 National Finals.
Tickets to the National Finals start at just £4 for adults and £1 for Under 21s offer a full day of top-class sporting action. Tickets increase to £5.50 adults and £1.50 Under 21s at weekends. Event passes are available and all tickets are cheaper in advance.
Please note: U16s must be accompanied by an adult. Under 3s enter free of charge.