Performance Director John McGuinness can’t wait for the Bowls England National Finals 2021 – and hopes to be there defending his title from 2019.

McGuinness was part of the Buckinghamshire side which triumphed in 2019 in an enthralling encounter against Berkshire.

McGuinness’ side from Gerrards Cross BC defeated Berkshire’s Suttons BC with a count of three on the 20th end with the scores poised at 20-20.

“I’m still trying to defend that title,” McGuinness said after Day One of the Four Nations event in Leamington, and with just the County Final standing in the way of a trip to the Finals, John is not getting ahead of himself.

“You’re only as good as your next game,” the Glasgow 2014 silver medallists added, “and I’m just trying to balance it with all the work with the High Performance squad, not to mention what I have to do with my work and my family and all the other challenges people have in our sport.”

But his excitement at the prospect of the Finals is growing.

“Some other nations haven’t been able to achieve that (playing a competition schedule). We have to take the COVID situation very seriously. And I think the fact we’re playing the National Finals this year in any shape or form is something we should be grateful for.

“I think it’s just fantastic; and I am really looking forward to the Finals.”

You can secure your place to see the latter stages of the Men’s Fours competition by clicking here, or choose another day here.