Bowls England name squad for European Championships

Bowls England has named its 10-strong squad for this summer’s European Championships in Scotland.

The new-look event will take place at the National Centre for Bowling in Ayr from Saturday 9 to Thursday 14 July and will replicate a similar format as played at the World Bowls Championships and Commonwealth Games.

The squad features none of the 12 players selected to represent Team England at the Commonwealth Games, however does include call-ups for Ed Morris and Lorraine Kuhler, who have both been members of the High Performance Squad in recent times.

Stef Branfield (pictured), recently crowned Bowler of the Year after her successes at the 2021 national championships, is included in the women’s quintet, alongside Somerset teammate Laura Holden.

Devon’s Emma Cooper and Lincolnshire’s Ruby Hill complete the women’s side.

Joining Morris in the men’s team includes the trio of men shortlisted for the recent male ‘Rising Star’ award at the Bowls England Awards Night – Harry Goodwin, Tom McGuinness and Jordan Philpott, with Suffolk’s Lee Calver completing the line-up.

Bowls England performance director John McGuinness said: “It’s a great achievement for the selected athletes. This is a great opportunity for these players to experience international-level tournament bowls in a format that replicates both Commonwealth Games and World Championships. It will stand them in good stead for the future.”

Selected team Men: Lee Calver (Suffolk), Harry Goodwin (Kent), Tom McGuinness (Buckinghamshire), Ed Morris (Essex), Jordan Philpott (Lincolnshire)

Women: Stef Branfield (Somerset), Emma Cooper (Devon), Ruby Hill (Lincolnshire), Laura Holden (Somerset), Lorraine Kuhler (Oxfordshire)

The team will be managed by Nicola Bowe and Stuart Thomas at the event.