Thursday 27th August 2026
BE Chairman Jo Doust, Friends Captain of the Day Mike Bertrand, BE CEO Jon Cockcroft
A Friends of English Bowling side met a Bowls England Select team at Leamington Spa during the National Finals, playing a 16‑end match that remained close throughout despite persistent morning rain, and a naughty dog, which somehow managed to invade the green! Scores were level at five ends and again at ten, before Bowls England edged home 87–84, with three rinks apiece.
The Select team featured Bowls England’s Chairman Jo Doust, CEO Jon Cockcroft, the President, Vice Presidents and several FoEB members. After the match, players gathered in the clubhouse for a short celebration. Jon Cockcroft welcomed all, in introduced BE Chairman Jo Doust. In his speech Jo emphasised the value of these fixtures as “friendly, celebratory matches” and highlighted the sport’s inclusive strengths, the success of para bowls, and the forthcoming World Championships at Leamington. He also noted ongoing work towards a potential merger with the indoor game, stressing the importance of shaping bowls for the next decade.
Friends Captain of the Day, Mike Bertrand, thanked Bowls England for the invitation and praised the competitive yet enjoyable spirit across all rinks. He reminded players that Friends membership directly supports bowling in England and announced the top rinks.
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- BE Top Rink: Danny Holland, Paul Green, Hazel Marke & Sue Bertram
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- Margaret Morris, Sharon Songer, Mike Bertrand & Michael Poole
Top rink for Bowls England was Danny Holland, Sue Bertram, Hazel Marke and Paul Green, while Margaret Morris, Michael Poole, Sharon Songer and Mike Bertrand took the honours for the Friends. A well‑supported raffle raised £260, and Bowls England provided a hot meal and dessert before players and spectators returned to the greens or headed home.
Some highlights:
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- The rain came down
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- The dog that got away – oops!
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- After match fellowship
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- Many prizes to be won
Michael Bertrand
Captain of the Day