Steve Poyner of Vines Park Bowls Club in Worcestershire has had a remarkable two years. After clinching the National Men’s Senior Singles title in 2023 with an emphatic win, he followed it up in 2024 by capturing the National Men’s Fours crown in passionate style at the Aviva National Finals.
Reflecting on his 2023 Senior Singles victory, Steve’s excitement is distinct. “It sounds like a cliché, but it really was a dream come true,” he says. For Steve, the road to this victory was paved with years of experience and near-misses. “I had been fortunate enough to qualify in a number of disciplines over the last eight or nine years, reaching the semi-finals of the club two-fours and two-wood singles. Along with those, there were a lot more occasions when I/we went out early,” he recalls. The setbacks only made lifting the trophy all the more rewarding.
Coming off the high of his singles win, Steve never imagined he would add another national title so soon. Yet, alongside his teammates Chris, Gareth, and Richard, he found himself victorious again in the Men’s Fours in 2024. “Surreal describes it really,” Steve says of the experience. “I was honoured to attend the Champions Dinner last year with my wife Eira, saying that it would probably be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Now, we will be going again!”
“After last year’s achievement, I was hoping to qualify in something this year and maybe have a decent run again. But to win another, this time with good mates, is still a ‘pinch yourself’ situation,” he reflects.
What gave Steve and his team the edge in 2024? According to him, it wasn’t about flawless play but consistency and trust. “Although we didn’t all bowl really well in every game, can anyone? I can’t think of too many ends where we all bowled badly and gave our opponents chances of big scores,” Steve says. In those rare moments when Steve and Chris didn’t get their bowls in play, Gareth or Richard would step in with a “wonder bowl” to steady the ship.
The team’s success, Steve believes, comes down to mutual understanding and friendship. “This is our third year as a four, and we’ve all played for Vines Park for a number of years. We trust each other, we love the game, and we get on well. A bad bowl will be met with friendly abuse rather than unhelpful criticism,” he laughs.
Steve enjoys the different challenges that singles and team events present. “I really enjoy singles, the concentration required, and the opportunity to get into a rhythm. But when things aren’t going well, it can be a very lonely place,” he admits. In contrast, playing as part of a fours team adds a different kind of pressure. “There’s as much if not more pressure in fours because you don’t want to let your teammates down. That said, if I have a stinker, I know I have great players with me who will hopefully drag me into the next round!”
After two incredible years, Steve remains motivated to keep striving for more. “Having such a successful few years, pride in performance drives me to bowl as well as I can for as long as I am able.” He is quick to credit his club, Vines Park, for their support. “The committee and members have been so supportive, and we push each other to do as well as we can.”
What does the future hold for Steve? “If anyone suggested more of the same, I would definitely laugh at them,” he says, modestly. Yet, the fire still burns brightly. “I will be like a coiled spring at the start of next season, hoping to bowl as well as I can. If that happens individually or within the team and things go our way, who knows?”
A major highlight awaits in 2025, when Steve and his team will compete in the British Bowls Championships in Wales. “It’s an incredible honour, and we are all very much looking forward to it.”
Steve’s success story is not just about personal glory, it’s also about inspiring others. His message to anyone considering entering competitions is simple: “Give it a go. It helps you gain real experience of the game, and I am living proof that dreams really can come true.” He fondly recalls encouraging a fellow Worcestershire bowler, Ray, to enter a competition. “A year or two later, he won the county’s Veteran Pairs title. So, don’t be afraid to take that step!”
Entries for our 2025 National Competitions will open early December.
You can watch the Men’s Fours final between Worcestershire and Surrey from the 2024 Aviva National Finals on Bowls TV.