British Isles schedule agreed for 2023

The Home Nations have agreed a competition schedule and format for the 2023 outdoor season which includes senior and junior internationals, British Isles Championships and an Under 18s Test Match.

The joint men’s and women’s British Isles Championships will kick start the season in Ayr and will take place between Wednesday and Thursday, June 28 and 29. The event is a great opportunity for those who have won their respective national championships to test themselves on the international stage.

With various formats being played in each of the Home Nations in their respective events it has been agreed that the championships will consist of the following:

• Singles – Four bowls | 21 shots
• Pairs – Four bowls per player | 18 ends
• Triples – Three bowls per player | 18 ends
• Fours – Two bowls per player | 18 ends

In pairs, triples and fours an extra end/ends to be played should scores be level at the conclusion of the match. There will be no time limit in the championships.

Following the championships, the joint senior international series will also take place in Ayr from Friday, June 30 – Sunday, July 2, inclusive.The event will see each country field two teams of ten women and ten men. Therefore, there will be 20 men and 20 women in total from each nation with a maximum of four reserves to participate in a multi-discipline event featuring singles, pairs, triples and fours matches, except Jersey who will field one team of ten men and ten women.

Matches played under World Bowls conditions as below:

• Singles – Four bowls | 21 shots
• Pairs – Three bowls per player | 18 ends
• Triples – Two bowls per player | 18 ends
• Fours – Two bowls per player | 15 ends

A time limit of two hours, 15 minutes will be in place for all matches.

Work is ongoing to consider opportunities available to each nation to include para bowlers in this showcase event, as well as the future potential to add in other countries.

The British Isles Junior Internationals will take place at Llandrindod Wells BC, Wales, on Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17.

Following positive feedback from the successful 2022 event in Belfast, the junior series will continue in the same format with three rinks of men and three rinks of women. Titles will be awarded to men, women and overall combined winners.

England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will also contest an Under 18 International Series which will provide an exciting stepping-stone for rising stars.

The event will enable mixed teams of 12 players to pull on their respective international shirts and will also take place in Wales on Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6, at RTB Ebbw Vale BC.

Keep your eyes peeled in future issues and on our website and social media platforms where we shall post the playing schedules and team selections when announced.

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