Over the weekend, our Commonwealth Games squad took part in its final test match before travelling to Glasgow next week. Wales welcomed Guernsey to Cardiff Indoor Bowling Club for the two-day series, held on 11 and 12 July.
We would like to thank everyone at Cardiff Indoor Bowling Club for their outstanding hospitality throughout the weekend, particularly during what has been a very difficult time for the club. Before play began, the Welsh team presented the club with flowers in memory of Viv Jones, who sadly passed away shortly before the test match. Viv was a much-loved member of Cardiff Indoor Bowling Club and a great supporter of bowls in Wales, and will be greatly missed.
Our thanks also go to the umpires, Gail Greaney and Huw Jones, for officiating throughout the weekend. Their time, professionalism and support were greatly appreciated.
The Welsh team featured Ross Owen and Amy Williams in the singles. Ross partnered Daniel Salmon in the men’s pairs, while Amy teamed up with Lauren Gowen in the women’s pairs. In the VI Mixed Pairs, Steffan James and his director, John Wilson, played alongside Julie Thomas and her director, Jamie Jones.
The VI Mixed Pairs competed against players from Newport Indoor Bowling Club over the course of the weekend. We would like to thank Newport for providing strong opposition and helping our Welsh representatives prepare for the challenges ahead in Glasgow.
Guernsey provided excellent competition throughout the series, and we are grateful to Ali Merrien MBE, Rose Ogier, Ian Merrien, Jason Greenslade and Team Manager Paul Ingrouille for making the journey to Wales. Thank you for contributing to a competitive and enjoyable weekend of bowls.
At the conclusion of the series, Wales secured an overall victory, winning 36-21.
On Saturday evening, friends and family joined the squad for a farewell event at Cardiff Indoor Bowling Club. The evening was opened by Overall Team Manager Anwen Butten MBE, who spoke about the commitment and dedication the athletes have shown, not only over the past few months but throughout the years of preparation leading to the Commonwealth Games. Anwen also highlighted the importance of the support network surrounding each player, recognising the role that family, friends, coaches and teammates have played in helping the squad reach this stage.
It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces supporting the players, directors and management team ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
During the evening, Daniel Salmon, Ross Owen, Amy Williams and Lauren Gowen were presented with their Welsh Lawn Plates caps and player numbers, having been unable to receive them during the international series in Ayr earlier this summer.
Julie Thomas was also recognised for reaching the outstanding milestone of 100 playing caps for Wales and was presented with a commemorative gift. John Wilson received recognition for earning 100 caps as a director and was also presented with a commemorative gift. Jamie Jones marked his 50th appearance as a director and received a presentation to acknowledge the achievement. All presentations were made by Helen Rhian Jones, Senior Vice President of the Welsh Lawn Bowls Association.
Our guest speaker for the evening was Commonwealth Games medallist John Price of Port Talbot. John shared stories from his own playing career, reflected on his experiences at previous Commonwealth Games and spoke about his upcoming role as a commentator in Glasgow. His humour, honesty and advice were greatly appreciated by everyone in attendance, and we thank him for taking the time to support the team.
John also had the honour of presenting the six Welsh players with their official Commonwealth Games playing shirts, marking the final stage of their preparations before departure.
The evening concluded with a video featuring good luck messages from friends, family and teammates, followed by a pre-recorded message from Commonwealth Games medallist Robert Weale. Robert delivered a heartfelt and inspiring message that resonated with everyone in the room. We are sincerely grateful to Robert for taking the time to record such a meaningful message for the squad.
Photography and video editing from the evening was done by Alis Butten, thanks to her for the content.
The weekend proved to be an ideal final preparation for the team before travelling to Glasgow. With a successful test match behind them and the support of family, friends and the wider Welsh bowls community, the squad now looks forward to representing Wales at the Commonwealth Games.