COVID-19 has had a major impact on the Bowls international schedule, with the vast majority of events cancelled and the remainder severely curtailed. 

Whilst the need to observe both social distancing and travel restrictions is still vitally important, it was an immense pleasure for the England team preparing for the Commonwealth Games to welcome the Malaysian team to Desborough Bowling Club in Maidenhead on Sunday. 

As an integral part of the build-up to Birmingham 2022, both sides used the occasion as a training event. 

Bowls England High Performance Director John McGuiness described the occasion as an “enjoyable event, played in a competitive manner but in good spirit.” 

The Malaysian team were in the UK on a familiarisation visit ahead of next year’s Games, which incorporated a trip to Victoria Park. This was a chance for the visiting side to familiarise themselves with the venue. 

John McGuiness said, when asked about the performance on the England side, that “they acquitted themselves very well, and I would expect that, as we near the end of the selection process for next year’s games.”

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Malaysian team for their visit, the Desborough Bowling Club for providing an excellent venue for the event, and also the National Sports Centre at Bisham Abbey for hosting the England players over the weekend. 

And our final comment to our Malaysian friends – terima kasih dan selamat melancong !