England and Ireland will go head-to-head in a Test match at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa, this weekend. This exciting encounter, taking place across Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July, will see both nations field six players each in a multi-discipline contest.
The test match will unfold over a total of six sessions – three on each day. This format promises a dynamic and engaging competition, showcasing the skill of the players across various disciplines.
England will be looking to replicate some of the incredible success they had on their way to winning the British Bowls International Series last week.
Performance Director Mo Monkton said, “This is a great opportunity to build on the very successful British Bowls International Series, giving players further experience to compete at international level.
“The exciting format will include a mixture of ‘fours, pairs and triples’ and finish off on Sunday afternoon with a Ryder Cup style singles battle. In action for the England Team are several Commonwealth Games and World Bowls medallists, who will not only provide a feast of great bowling, but an opportunity for supporters to meet and chat with the players.
“So, if you are able, please come along and cheer on the team.
“We hope this will be a permanent fixture in the international calendar with a return fixture planned in Ireland in 2025 and thank sponsors Aviva for their support.”
England line-up for Test match v Ireland
Team (listed alphabetically by surname):
Men
Nick Brett (Brampton BC, Huntingdonshire)
Harry Goodwin (Appleyard BC, Kent)
Ed Morris (Essex County BC, Essex)
Tom McGuinness (Gerrards Cross BC, Buckinghamshire)
Sam Tolchard (Kings BC, Devon)
Jamie Walker (Culm Vale BC, Devon)
Non-travelling reserves:
Steve Mitchinson (Kings Chase BC, Essex)
Andrew Walters (Welford BC, Warwickshire)
Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC, Norfolk)
Women
Chloe Brett (Brampton BC, Huntingdonshire)
Annalisa Dunham (Burton House BC, Lincolnshire)
Katherine Hawes-Watts (Oxford City & County BC, Oxfordshire)
Lorraine Kuhler (Oxford City & County BC, Oxfordshire)
Kirsty Richards (Royal Leamington Spa BC, Warwickshire)
Rebecca Wigfield (Desborough Town, Northamptonshire)
Non-travelling reserves:
Emily Ferguson (Appleyard BC, Kent)
Morgan Merryweather (Island Bohemian BC, Berkshire)
Rebecca Moorbey (Brampton BC, Huntingdonshire)
For details of Ireland’s line-up for the Test match, please click here.
Schedule
For the schedule of the Test match, please click here.
Event Information
The Test match is a non-ticketed event and a great opportunity to support and cheer on England’s international stars in action.
Arriving by Car
There are numerous council-owned car parks within the local area, please click here for more information. For Satnav users, you can use CV31 3PT to get towards the venue and follow local signage for parking once in the vicinity of the venue.
Please note, there will be no parking available on Archery Road or the Old Tennis Courts Car Park and restrictions will be in place.
Arriving by Train
Leamington Spa Train Station is a 10–15-minute walk from Victoria Park, situated on Old Warwick Road.
There will be no streaming of this event, however you can follow updates from the matches across our social media platforms.
The Aviva National Finals are 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.