The 2025 Inter-County Events of the Balcomb Trophy and Walker Cup provided spectators with some superb action, as counties battled it out for national qualification at host venues across England.

With international-standard formats in place and newly appointed Area and Para Scouts observing performances, the competition was intense, tactical and talent-packed. After two days of top-level county bowls, eight teams in each competition have now booked their places in the final stages of the prestigious events, which will take place at the Aviva National Bowls Finals at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa on Saturday 16th August – tickets available at bowlsengland.com/tickets.

Balcomb Trophy

In the Balcomb Trophy, Northumberland came out on top in a tightly contested Northern region at Redcar Borough Park BC. With three wins from four, they edged out Yorkshire on points difference, thanks to a strong shots difference of +24. Meanwhile, Leicestershire claimed the Midlands crown at Blackstones BC in Lincolnshire. Despite a close challenge from the host county, Leicestershire’s superior shots difference saw them through.

Over in the Central region, Northamptonshire dominated at Desborough (Maidenhead) BC, going unbeaten in their three matches and securing a +42 shots difference against second-placed Buckinghamshire. Bedfordshire led the way in the East Anglia North region hosted by Brampton BC. A solid all-round team performance saw them finish ahead of Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire, and 2024 Balcomb Trophy winners Norfolk.

The Anglia and Southeast group was hosted at Essex County BC, where Essex claimed top spot. With a remarkable 84 points and a +71 shots difference, they secured a convincing win over Suffolk and Kent. Down South at Alton Social BC, Hampshire stormed through their group with three wins out of three and a +88 shots difference, making them clear area winners.

The West region’s battles were staged at Devizes BC in Wiltshire. Warwickshire impressed with four wins from four and a massive +99 shots difference. Wiltshire came second, while Gloucestershire and Worcestershire fell short. In the Southwest, Somerset edged out Devon at Topsham BC. Both teams recorded two wins, but Somerset’s consistency across all rinks earned them the top spot.

Photos from the Balcomb Trophy Inter-County events can be found here

You can download results sheets below:

Walker Cup

The Walker Cup also delivered high drama. Durham were dominant in the North region, winning all three of their matches and finishing with an impressive +76 shot difference. They saw off competition from Cumbria, Northumberland and Lancashire to secure their place in the Aviva National Bowls Finals. Lincolnshire impressed at Newark Northern, recording three wins from three and topping the table with a remarkable +90 shot difference. Nottinghamshire claimed second place after a strong showing against Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

It was close ending in the Central region, where both Oxfordshire and Leicestershire finished with three wins from four. However, Oxfordshire edged out their Midlands rivals on shot difference, thanks to a +35 return compared to Leicestershire’s +19.

Norfolk secured top spot in the East Anglia North group with three wins from three and a healthy +57 shot difference. Cambridgeshire finished second after defeating both Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire. Hertfordshire remained unbeaten in Dunmow to take top honours in the East Anglia South region. They edged out Essex, who also performed well with two wins from three and a superb +55 shot difference.

Kent stormed through the Southern region, winning all four matches and finishing with a +77 shot difference. Worcestershire were in imperious form on home turf, winning all three matches and racking up a massive +116 shot difference, the highest of any team across the regions. Devon emerged victorious in the Southwest after an unbeaten campaign at Madeira BC. Three wins and one draw saw them finish top, ahead of Cornwall and Dorset in what was a high-scoring region.

Photos from the Walker Cup Inter-County events can be found here

Bowls England would like to extend a huge thank you to the host clubs, volunteers, and officials who helped deliver a brilliant weekend of bowls.

As the competition now moves toward the national stages, each of these Inter-County winners will hope their form continues. With strong showings already under their belts, they have set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling showdown at the Aviva National Bowls Finals this August.

Inter-County Event Winners

Draws for the National quarter-finals will be available in June. The quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals of both the Balcomb Trophy and Walker Cup will take place on Saturday 16th August, and tickets are now available to purchase at just £5.50 for adults and £2 for Under-18s.

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