SIBC are National Top Club Champions 2026

manager4961
Apr 7
4 min read

The National Top Club competition reached an exciting climax last weekend at Nottingham, where our winning team secured victories in both the semi-final and final. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the club and its members, reflecting dedication, skill, and teamwork as our players lifted the coveted title for the first time in the clubs history.

As the celebrations continue, attention now shifts to upcoming individual events and the Wessex final scheduled for Sunday, 12th April, at Mid Glos Indoor Bowls Club.

Highlights from the National Top Club Final at Nottingham

The National Top Club competition brings together top teams from across the country, each vying for the prestigious title. This year’s event at Nottingham showcased some of the best talent in the sport, with the best 4 club teams competing for the top prize.

Key Moments in the Semi-Final and Final

Semi-final victory over Norfolk IBC: The team displayed strong coordination, winning by a comfortable margin. Their ability to adapt to changing conditions on the green and cheering each other on during the crucial ends was the decisive factor.
Women's Singles - Emily Kernick returned a winning score 21-20 is a tightly contested match
Mens Singles - Ryan Prosser played well but went down 16-21. Score 2 points each after the singles.
Mixed Pairs - Hannah Smith and Tom Holmes were always in control winning 19-12 against their opponents. Score 6-2 to Solihull.
Mixed Triples - Izzie White, Mark Burdett & Ben Harris beat their opponents 23-15 after trailing 12-15 at 13 ends. Winning the last 5 ends in a row. Score 10-2 to Solihull.
Mixed Fours - Liz Wooding, Lily Adams, Callum Mitchell & Alex Lewis were 4-5 down at 7 ends but closed the match strongly winning 15-13.
Final Score - 14-2 (94 shots to 81) finishing the match at 10:30pm with the final the next mornign at 10am it was a quick turnaround, especially with losing the hour overnight as well. But the team were ready for the Final against Egham IBC.
Final match: The Solihull team dominated the final right from the start not letting the team from Egham, who had won comfortably the night before, get a foot hold in the match.
Women's Singles - Emily Kernick returned a winning score 21-9 to get the first points on the board.
Mens Singles - Ryan Prosser won 21-15 in his singles match to set the perfect start. Solihull take both singles matches and lead 4-0.
Mixed Pairs - Hannah Smith and Tom Holmes were involved in a tight game, but always had a small lead, winning 15-12.
Mixed Triples - Izzie White, Mark Burdett & Ben Harris had a run of good ends in the middle of the game to take a commanding lead, winning 20-6.
Mixed Fours - Liz Wooding, Lily Adams, Callum Mitchell & Alex Lewis battled it out to make it a clean sweep of victories winning 18-14.
Final Score - 16-0 (95 shots to 56). An excellent display from everyone involved and huge congratulations from everyone at the club. And a big thank you to those of you that travelled to Nottingham to support the team, your encouragement really helped the players to thrive on the biggest stage.

Preparing for the Individual Events

With the team competition concluded, many players now focus on individual events and Solihull are well represented across the remainder of the National Championships.

Individual Competition Qualifiers

4 Bowl Singles: on 1st April Ryan Prosser and Emily Kernick were in action in the National Singles.
In the Womens event Emily played Millie Tuck from Dolphin IBC in the last 16 coming through a 21-10 winner. In the Quarter Final Emily faced Nicole Rogers from Exonia and unfortnately lost 17-21. Nicole went on the lift the Title.
In the Mens event Ryan Prosser defeated Gary Shepperson from Erewash 21-13, before beating Ryan Whitlock - Torquay United 21-20 in a marathon game that was by far the longest game on the green.
Ryan lost in the semi final 8-21 against Dom McVittie, champion in 2024, and he lifted the title later that day.
A great effort by both players and performances they can be proud of.
Women's Triples: Tuesday 7th April. Hannah Smith, Izzie White and Emily Kernick play in the Last 16.
2 Bowl Singles: Friday 10th April. Ryan Prosser and Emily Kernick play in the last 16 at 2pm and 4pm respectively.
Family Pairs: Tuesday 14th April. Dan Holmes and Tom Holmes look to defend the National Title they won 12 months ago. They play at 6pm.
Under 30 Double Rink: Saturday 18th April. Hannah Smith, Callum Mitchell, Tom Holmes, Izzie White, Matt Grundy and Emily Kernick play in the semi final at 10am.
Over 50 Triples: Monday 20th April. Hughie Dunachie, Mick Tandy & Mal Follis play at 1.30pm

The Wessex Final at Mid Glos IBC

Our team prepare for the final on Sunday, 12th April vs Clarrie Dunbar IBC at Mid Glos Indoor Bowls Club, this is the first time Solihull have reached the Final of this event and we wish the team the very best of luck. If anyone is available to go and support the team the match starts at 10am.