What an incredible first week we have had for the 2024 Aviva National Finals. We’ve seen twelve competitions get underway and have crowned nine Champions, with plenty more excitement to come.
Women’s Fours | Thu 15th – Sat 17th August
Our first winners of the Aviva National Finals were crowned in the Women’s Fours championship. Warwickshire’s Michelle Meadowcroft, Ellie Hamblett, Emily Kernick, and Kirsty Richards (Royal Leamington Spa BC) had an incredible journey to the final with solid scores of 25-13, 31-3, 20-12, 18-8, and 30-7. The Warwickshire quartet showcased their skill and teamwork as they secured the title, defeating the Somerset team of Sara George, Jacqui Branfield, Laura Holden, and Stef Branfield with an impressive scoreline of 22-9 in the final.
Men’s Singles | Fri 16th – Sat 17th August
After a great international season, Jamie Walker from Devon clinched the Men’s Singles title for the second time, adding to his previous victory in 2017. He delivered a commanding performance in the final, defeating Kent’s Harry Goodwin 21-11. Jamie’s path to the title was marked by strong victories, including a decisive 21-7 win against Glen Adams (Middlesex) in the semi-final and a hard-fought 21-16 win over Philip Broughton (Derbyshire) in the quarter final. His consistency and precision on the green were key to his success.
Amy Rose Bowl | Sat 17th August
Kent continued their reign in the Amy Rose Bowl, claiming their third consecutive title by defeating Lincolnshire 42-30 in the final. The team delivered a strong performance, building on their momentum from a resounding 56-29 win against Somerset in the semi-final. Kent’s consistency in this competition have established them as a formidable force.
White Rose Trophy | Sat 17th August
Warwickshire made history by securing their first-ever White Rose Trophy with a sensational 36-28 victory over Hampshire in the final. This triumph marked a significant achievement for the team, especially after finishing as runners-up in 2022 against Kent. Warwickshire showed tremendous resilience and determination throughout the competition, particularly in their closely contested semi-final against Nottinghamshire, where they emerged victorious with a 40-37 win. This long-awaited triumph in the White Rose Trophy is a testament to the team’s growth and perseverance.
Tony Allcock Trophy | Fri 16th – Sat 17th August
Felixstowe & Suffolk Bowls Club from Suffolk emerged as the champions of the Tony Allcock Trophy with a commanding performance in the final, where they defeated Welford on Avon BC from Warwickshire 42-23. This victory was the culmination of a dominant run through the competition, highlighted by their impressive 45-20 win over Bolton Flat Green BC from Lancashire in the semi-finals. Felixstowe & Suffolk BC’s consistency and decisive victories on their way to the title, underscored a well-deserved triumph in the competition.
Women’s Triples | Sat 17th – Tue 20th August
Lincolnshire’s Louise Whyers, Penny Strong and Annalisa Dunham (Burton House BC) were the victors in the Women’s Triples after a 17-12 win over Rebecca Willgress, Christine Rednall and Katherine Rednall (Norfolk BC, Norfolk). That came after a 17-8 triumph over Suffolk’s Pat Hilson, Ella Baker and Julie Spice (Felixstowe & Suffolk BC).
Men’s Senior Singles | Sun 18th – Tue 20th August
Ken Weyand from St. Lawrence BC in Kent emerged as the champion in the Men’s Senior Singles, securing the title with a 21-13 victory over Andrew Squire from Maldon Bowls Club in Essex in the final. Ken demonstrated exceptional resilience throughout the competition, navigating through a competitive field. His journey to the title included a decisive 21-12 win against Gary Clark of Camberley BC in Surrey in the semi-final.
Men’s Pairs | Sun 18th – Wed 21st August
The Men’s Pairs competition was dominated by brothers Ean and Tristan Morton from Huntingdonshire. They had an outstanding tournament run, culminating in a convincing 23-9 victory over Dan Box and Andy Walters in the final. Their journey to the title was not without challenges, as they faced a tough quarter-final match against Essex’s Steve Gunnell and Ed Morris, where they narrowly won 19-18 on an extra end. Despite this close call, the Morton brothers were otherwise dominant, showcasing their synergy and strategic play throughout the competition.
Women’s Senior Singles | Mon 19th – Wed 21st August
Fiona Waters from Somerset, representing Victoria WSM BC, captured the title in the Women’s Senior Singles with a hard-fought 21-15 victory over Caroline Campion from Banbury Central BC in Oxfordshire. Fiona’s path to the final was equally impressive, as she secured her place with a win against Lindsay Collin of Kingswood and Hanham BC in Gloucestershire in the semi-final.
Women’s Senior Singles Results
The weather has treated us well, with a few showers as to be expected with the British weather, and the green keeping team have been taking great care of the greens for all competitors in the week gone, and all those who will be descending to the venue in the next two weeks
Our volunteers have been a ray of sunshine in their bright yellow kits, and we can’t thank them enough for their continued support in the successful running of this event. If you are interested in joining the Bowls England family, please do head to the event office or competitions office during your time here.
Bowls England is delighted that all 18 days of the Aviva National Finals (15 Aug – 1 Sept) will be streamed online, and available for everyone to view free of charge. Visit our official streaming platform below.
To see the action live – tickets start at £5.50 for adults and £2 for Under 18s for tickets bought in advance, and you can save around £3 per person if you book online ahead of your visit. Click here to book now.