The sun shone on the British Bowls International Series at Victoria Park in Royal Leamington Spa. After 3 days, 80 matches and thousands of bowls delivered, it was two from two for England, with both the Men and Women being crowned Series Champions.

This year saw a new style of event which combined the historic team rivalry playing out on one green with a multi-disciplined format. From a performance perspective, players were tested across the four disciplines, with every game contributing to the overall team score. Spectators had the opportunity to watch a variety of games, whilst enjoying the atmosphere that team events bring. Refinements will be made, but all nations are excited about building this new-look British Bowls International Series.

And, with both competitions coming down to the last games, the new format presented us with a nail-biting end to three days of scintillating play.

Women’s International Series

In the women’s event, England got off to a strong start, unbeaten after three matches. However, Wales joined them at the top of the table having played an extra game. While England Women were on their rest session, Wales won matches against Scotland and Jersey to secure the top spot on the table alongside England. Day two belonged to Scotland with three excellent victories, including a defeat over England 98-84. Wales and Ireland were both vying for third position going into day three and Jersey were yet to record a team win, although they had claimed victories in 12 matches.

In a crunch match in the first session of the final day, England defeated Scotland convincingly, wanting to rewrite the script of the day, before leaving them 15 points clear at the top of the table. England were playing Wales in the final match knowing that a strong and controlled performance should see them to overall victory.

Keeping their cool, the team ran in victories across five of six matches, including three impressive wins in each of the Triples matches. This resulted in a 21-3 victory on points for England in their final game, with the overall score being 125-72 on shots. The final session result meant England topped the Women’s table with 135 points, 12 points ahead of Scotland in second place, while Ireland finished third on 93 points.

Men’s International Series

In the men’s event, Wales topped the table at the end of day one. They finished 18 points ahead of England having played an extra match, losing to Ireland in the final session of the day. Wales, England and Ireland continued to fight for the top of the table with strong performances on day two, closing on 105, 102 and 93 points respectively.

In their last match of the competition at the start of day three, Wales defeated England 18 points to 6, putting them 15 points ahead. Meanwhile Ireland lost to Scotland 15-9 leaving them on 102 points, six behind England, but with Jersey left to play. With superior shots difference, it was likely that England would need to win four rinks against Scotland to secure the title.

In the decisive match, England secured the four wins they needed including an extra-end win in one of the Fours matches. England won 18-6 on points with the overall score being 98-81. This outstanding performance in the final session meant England finished top of the league table on 126 points, three points ahead of second-place Wales, who ended with 123 points. Ireland placed third with 114 points.

The England teams were presented with their titles and gold medals by Bowls England Chair David Tucker and Bowls England President David King-Taylor.

There were joyous scenes on the Victoria Park greens as the England players and Performance Team staff celebrated their achievements. International managers Kirk Smith and Sandy Hazell led a final team talk praising the efforts of the squads to bring the titles home.

Bowls England would like to thank all volunteers who contributed behind the scenes and helped make the event run smoothly. All umpires and markers from the EBUA for their brilliant officiating throughout the Series. All spectators who got behind the teams and created a great atmosphere at Victoria Park. To all players and performance teams for their efforts in each match and creating a superb spectacle of bowls.

England will next be in action in a test match against Ireland, also taking place at Victoria Park on the 13th and 14th of July. See our squad for the test match here.

If you enjoyed the British Bowls events at Victoria Park, you’ll be thrilled to know that the excitement continues with the Aviva National Finals just around the corner. Taking place from 15th August to 1st September, the Aviva National Finals will see bowlers from across England competing fiercely to be crowned National Champions. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness more brilliant action and cheer on your favourite players.

Tickets are available from £5.50 for adults, and more information about the event may be found at bowlsengland.com/Aviva-National-Finals.