2022 Scotland Junior & Youth International Teams announced
Bowls Scotland is delighted to announce our Junior and Youth International teams for the 2022 season.
The new-look Junior International Series will be contested at Belmont Bowling Club, Belfast on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September. Each country has been able to select separate men’s and women’s teams, both consisting of 12 players (3 rinks) plus an additional two reserves. Following the loss of two seasons of international events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the age limit has been increased to 27 and under on 1st April 2022.
In the men’s team, Scotland’s selectors have continued with an experienced line-up which has brought home three successive series victories in 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively. No country has ever won the Men’s Junior International Series on four successive occasions and the young Scots will be aiming to achieve this historic feat. Liam McKay has been selected as team captain for a second time after lifting the trophy at Essex County Bowling Club in 2019.
The women’s squad is also filled with experience as Scotland go into this event as defending champions from 2019. This momentous occasion was Scotland’s first Women’s Junior International Series win in 10 years and this years team will be looking to be the first Scottish side to win back-to-back series since 2002. A few debuts will be made in Belfast with Beth Riva and Amy Borthwick both set to make their first caps at lead, whilst Bryony Thomson is another new cap as reserve. The selectors have also recalled Eilidh Weir, who won the Ladies National Fours title in 2019.
Bowls Scotland have selected our first ever Youth International Team which will compete against Ireland and Wales on Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th August at the National Centre for Bowling, Ayr. Youth bowls in Scotland has previously been administered by the Scottish Young Bowlers Association (SYBA) since 1982 and 2022 is the first year that youth bowls has come under the National Governing Body’s remit. 12 players have been selected for the two-day test series event on home soil. Again, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the age limit for this event has been increased to 17 and under on 1st April 2022.
Tom Notman, Men’s Junior International Team Manager, said: “When I was appointed Men’s Junior International Team Manager in 2019, it was both an honour and a privilege to take on this position. Roll forward three years and it is great to now have the opportunity to fulfil this role and, of course, have competitive bowls back again at international level.
“The restriction of only having to select 14 players this year proved incredibly difficult, especially after winning the series for three consecutive years. It was hard enough to pick a trial team from the talent we have within Scotland, never mind reduce that to the team selected. I am hopeful we will return to having 24 players again in the series in the future in order to develop and nurture this age group with a view to progression to full international level.
“I am confident with the experienced team we have selected we will take the opportunity to create history and win the series for a fourth consecutive time.”
Margaret Bingham, Women’s Junior International Team Manager, added: “After the last three years I am delighted to continue as Women’s Junior International Team Manager for the series at Belmont in September.
“The talent on display from the young women in this age group is tremendous and their commitment is inspiring. I am sure they will showcase their talent at the event. The players involved will make their clubs, families and Scotland very proud during this event and hopefully we can inspire other women to start playing our wonderful sport.
“As current holders of the series we are more determined than ever to retain the title. Good luck to all the players, I’m really looking forward to the event.”
Andy Meekison, Youth International Co-Team Manager, commented: “We have a remarkable talent pool in Scottish youth bowling and it’s my absolute privilege to help to guide our players in this fantastic inaugural Under 18 Youth International Series.
“I’m sure the players involved will go on to have long and distinguished careers in the sport, but the first time they pull on the top to become a Scotland internationalist will be an especially proud moment for the players, their families and the clubs they represent.
“Their selection is testimony to the magnificent work that goes unseen and unheralded by so many amazing volunteers coaching our youth bowlers in clubs throughout Scotland.
“I’m sure our players will enjoy competing with the other Home Nations, make friends for life with both new team-mates and opponents alike and most importantly enjoy a special time in their young lives. Youth bowling is the future of our sport and I’m sure the competition will be a fabulous occasion.”
To view the 2022 Men’s Junior International Team, please click here.
To view the 2022 Women’s Junior International Team, please click here.
To view the 2022 Youth International Team, please click here.
Best of luck to the three Scottish teams in their respective international matches throughout this season!