All eyes will be on Scotland this weekend, as our Under 25 International Squad descend upon the Ayr Northfield BC greens to compete in the British Bowls U25 International Series. England will face the home nation, Scotland, alongside Wales and Ireland in a round-robin format, across pairs, triples and fours matches.
The squad, which includes 13 new caps, was announced back in June following a squad training day held at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa, on Sunday 8 June. Of the 13 new caps, six players have progressed from the Under 18 International Team – Charlie Beeton (Suffolk), Luke Bell (Hampshire), Finley Williamson (Gloucestershire), Tegan Grewal (Leicestershire), Madi King (Somerset) and Rhianna Russell (Hertfordshire) – a reflection of the success Junior Pathway Programme which aims to spot junior talent and nurture them throughout their bowls career.
Coming off the back of an exciting Men’s Singles victory at the Aviva National Bowls Finals, Isaac Jenner takes the reigns as captain of the Men’s team. Speaking of his call up, Isaac said;
“I am really looking forward to the series this weekend in Ayr. I feel proud and honoured to be selected as captain this year, hoping England can come home with the trophy. I am particularly looking forward to playing each country twice along with the different disciplines, which is an exciting and refreshing change for the team”
Also speaking ahead of the weekend is Chloe Brett, captain of the Women’s team, Chloe said;
“I’m so grateful for the chance to be leading the team this weekend for the Junior International Series in Ayr! The team has worked hard over the season and we’re looking forward to the challenge. I’m really excited for the new format and having the chance to play in different disciplines over the weekend!”
International Junior Team Manager, Nicola Bowe, will be leading the way and overseeing the team, with the support of Performance Coach, Mal Evans and Senior International players, Amy Pharaoh and Tom McGuinness;
“I am extremely excited for the British Bowls U25 International Series. It’ll be a real test for our players going against strong set ups from the other nations, but a fantastic opportunity for them to experience international bowls, whether this is their first time on the international stage or not. We have some players who are working their way through the pathway and have stepped up from our U18 squad, and they will no doubt relish the time with their counterparts. For us, this is not just about gunning for gold but is as much about the development and growth of our junior programme – we want to give them new experiences, nurture their skillset and expand our talent pool.”
“For me personally, it’s a huge honour and privilege to manage the male and female squads together for the very first time. This is a huge challenge, but I am very grateful to have the invaluable support of Mal Evans, Amy Pharaoh, and Tom McGuinness alongside me. Bring it on!”
Men’s Under 25 International Team
(Listed alphabetically by surname)
Charlie Beeton | Felixstowe and Suffolk BC, Suffolk *
Luke Bell | Sports Centre BC, Hampshire *
Oliver Collins | Ilminster BC, Somerset
Harry Duffield | Blackheath & Greenwich BC, Kent
Isaac Jenner | Appleyard BC, Kent #
Aiden Maries | Avenue Leamington BC, Warwickshire *
Mack May | Brampton BC, Huntingdonshire
Lloyd Milligan | Heaton Hall BC, Lancashire
Joe Sanford |Bromley BC, Kent *
Joe Sims | Ipswich BC, Suffolk
Ollie Sloan | Newark Northern BC, Nottinghamshire *
Joe Vandepeer | Canterbury BC, Kent
Alasdair Williams | Porthleven BC, Cornwall
Finley Williamson | Cheltenham BC, Gloucestershire *
Non-Travelling Reserves:
Harry Mycock | Royal Mail Cart BC, Lincolnshire
Will Vizer-Allen | Egham BC, Surrey
Captain:
Isaac Jenner (Appleyard BC, Kent)
Team Manager:
Nicola Bowe (Wigton BC, Cumbria)
# Captain | * New cap
Women’s Under 25 International Team
(Listed alphabetically by surname)
Lily Mae Adams | Welford upon Avon BC, Warwickshire *
Chloe Brett | Brampton BC, Huntingdonshire #
Maddie Burgess | Chester Road BC, Worcestershire
Tegan Grewal | Kingscroft BC, Leicestershire *
Aqua-Marie Griffiths | Chester Road BC, Worcestershire
Yasmina Hasan | Southey BC, Surrey
Ellie Johnson | Norfolk BC, Norfolk *
Madi King | Congresbury BC, Somerset *
Alice Lovett | Oakley BC, Hampshire *
Rhianna Russell | Welwyn & District BC, Hertfordshire *
Hannah Smith | Barnwood BC, Gloucestershire *
Millie Tuck | Poole Park BC, Dorset
Jemma Tuohy | Southey BC, Surrey
Izzie White | Chester Road BC, Worcestershire
Non-Travelling Reserve:
Molly Haney | Wigton BC, Cumbria
Captain:
Chloe Brett (Brampton BC, Huntingdonshire)
Team Manager:
Nicola Bowe (Wigton BC, Cumbria)
# Captain | * New cap
You can follow the action with updates across the weekend Bowls Scotland social media channels.
Photo Credit: Sporting Highlights